Francken Seeks Belgium’s Exit from EU Fighter Jet Project
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) announced on Wednesday that he will propose withdrawing Belgium from its observer role in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, the Franco-German sixth-generation fighter jet project that formally collapsed last month. Describing the initiative as “dead,” Francken told the Parliamentary Defense Committee that Belgium’s observer status “has little added value at this moment.”
Background: A €100 Billion Project Unravels
The FCAS program, launched in 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron and then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, was designed to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet to replace France’s Rafales and Germany’s Eurofighters by approximately 2040. Valued at over €100 billion, the project also encompassed unmanned drone systems and a secure data network known as the “Combat Cloud.”
However, according to VRT NWS, France and Germany formally terminated the project on June 8, 2026, after years of deadlock between French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and European consortium Airbus over leadership, intellectual property, and technical specifications. Dassault insisted on maintaining proprietary control, while Airbus pushed for a more balanced partnership.
Belgium joined FCAS as an observer in June 2023 under then-Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder (PS), with the previous government allocating nearly €70 million to prepare the Belgian defense industry for potential participation.
Francken’s Announcement: “It Is Dead”
During Wednesday’s Defense Committee session, Francken stated that Belgium has not been formally informed by FCAS partners about the project’s status. The government has requested a working group meeting, but it has not materialized. “We can read the newspapers, but we are not being treated properly,” Francken said, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws.
The minister emphasized that Belgium’s financial exposure has been minimal. Only a relatively small amount — allocated to a company in Charleroi — has been spent, with most of the €70 million budget remaining unspent.
Alternative Paths: CCA and European Cooperation
Francken expressed interest in Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) — high-tech unmanned aircraft that operate alongside F-35s or future fighter jets. He noted strong industry interest in CCA from initial contacts with the sector.
The minister reaffirmed the F-35 as the backbone of Belgium’s air force while emphasizing openness to European cooperation, potentially with a “transatlantic component.” Neighboring countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, which also operate F-35s, were described as “particularly interesting partners.” Francken pushed back against criticism that he favors American defense spending, stating: “That I would only want to spend money in the US is a complete lie.”
Parliamentary Reactions
The announcement sparked debate across party lines. Axel Weydts (Vooruit) welcomed that no significant funds had been lost on FCAS and expressed interest in cooperation with the UK through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which involves Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom developing a sixth-generation fighter. “We must be involved from the start, especially if it’s a European aircraft,” Weydts said.
Koen Van den Heuvel (CD&V) urged Francken to remain committed to European defense cooperation. “As a medium-sized European country, we can play a strategic role in helping larger countries overcome their more nationalist tendencies,” Van den Heuvel said, as quoted by HLN.
Kristien Verbelen (Vlaams Belang) expressed concern and demanded clarity on the consequences for Belgian industry and the allocated funds.
De Wever’s Broader Critique
Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) had already condemned the FCAS collapse in June, calling it “pure stupidity” at a Friends of Europe conference. As reported by VRT NWS, De Wever stated: “Thinking you can develop a fighter jet alone, or do it faster alone, is simply ignoring reality.” He described himself as “enormously disappointed” that France and Germany could not reach agreement, calling it “a waste of time, what arrogance!”
Analysis: A Setback for European Defense Autonomy
The FCAS collapse represents a major setback for European strategic autonomy in defense. The inability of Europe’s two largest economies to cooperate on a flagship €100 billion project raises fundamental questions about the EU’s capacity for large-scale defense integration at a time when Business AM notes that European nations face a “precarious moment” — confronting a resurgent Russia and unpredictable US security commitments.
Belgium now faces a strategic crossroads. With 45 F-35s on order, its air combat capability remains tied to American political decisions. The choice ahead involves deepening transatlantic ties, joining the UK-led GCAP program, or pursuing bilateral European partnerships.
What’s Next
Francken’s withdrawal proposal will be submitted to the Belgian government for a decision. The €70 million budget earmarked for FCAS preparation will need to be reallocated, potentially toward CCA development. Meanwhile, questions remain about whether the Combat Cloud and drone components of FCAS will continue as separate European projects, and whether Belgium will explore joining GCAP as an alternative path to next-generation air combat capabilities.