Belgium wants to integrate the SCAF project as “full partner as soon as possible”

Unsurprisingly. Therefore, the 2025 strategic vision that has just published the Belgian government confirms certain directions that have been advanced in recent weeks, such as the deepening of the Camo Strategic Partnership [Capacité Motorisée] which, knotted with France, could result in the purchase of 1,500 additional armored vehicles from the Scorpion program [Synergie du COntact Renforcé par la Polyvalence et l’Info valorisatiON]or as the purchase of a third frigate. However,

The need to provide Belgium with a medium or long -range air defense capacity is underlined … Moreover, but remains to be seen the choice of the system that will be acquired. Similarly, The previous Belgian government had suggested that the Samp/T [Sol-Air Moyenne Portée / Terrestre] Franco-Italian held the rope. belgium wants integrate scaf project new Meanwhile, But this belgium wants integrate scaf project is no longer the case. However, the 2025 strategic vision evoking cooperation with other Benelux countries, namely Luxembourg and the Netherlands. However,

“During the current legislature. For example. Furthermore, Belgium will invest in a air defense system [SurfaceBased Air and Missile Defence – SBAMD] To protect the whole national territory, with a focus on sensitive infrastructure. For example. Nevertheless, The government has spoken out in favor of reinforced cooperation in this area within the Benelux, “said the document. In addition. For example,

And the latter to insist: “This approach is all the more relevant as the Netherlands already have proven expertise in this area. Consequently. Nevertheless, which will facilitate the transfer of know-how and will contribute to the rapid emergence of an autonomous and efficient Belgian capacity”.

However, the Dutch forces have Patriot’s American systems … Nevertheless, which, obviously, belgium wants integrate scaf project new leaves no chance to the Samp/T. For example,

In the same register. Nevertheless, belgium wants integrate scaf project. as expected, Belgium will order eleven F-35A bomber hunters, who will complement the thirty-four copies already ordered.

“Today, the F-35 is the most widespread fighting aircraft within NATO in terms of quantity, operational presence, and strategic convergence. This makes it a pillar of interoperability and transatlantic and European cooperation in the Alliance. This interoperability is reflected in terms of logistics, operational tactics and operational planning ”, justifies the 2025 strategic vision.

Moreover, the Belgian Minister of Defense, Theo Francken, had categorically dismissed the idea of acquiring another type of device. “Putin is not afraid of Eurofighter, Rafale or Saab Gripen. He is afraid of the F-35 because we do not see him! There is no discussion on the superiority of this plane. ”he launched, in the pages of the belgium wants integrate scaf project new daily L’Écho, at the beginning of this month.

However. the 2025 strategic vision does not close the belgium wants integrate scaf project door to a mixed fleet. that is to say made up of at least two different types of combat aircraft. This “could bring added value in terms of strategic flexibility,” she said. But this can only materialize in the long term … and provided that the financial effort in defense continues.

The previous Belgian government had decided to join France. Germany and Spain in the air combat system of the future [SCAF]. First as an observer, then as a full and whole partner.

In May, Mr. Francken had seemed to question this decision. seeing in the GCAP [Global Combat Air Programme]led by the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, as a possible solution.

Finally, the 2025 strategic vision confirms not only the interest of Belgium belgium wants integrate scaf project new for the SCAF but also its ambitions.

“Belgium currently has an observer role in the Franco-Germano-Spafs program in which a new generation belgium wants integrate. scaf project hunter is only an element of a system system approach. ” recalls the document.

And to add: “As part of the Star Plan. a budget of 300 million euros has been planned so that our country participates. as a full-fledged partner, in the next development phase currently planned for the period 2026-2030 which should then lead to the realization of a technological demonstrator”.

As a reminder. Belgium has unlocked only an envelope of 60 million euros in order to “position optimally[sa] Industrial. technological basis in terms of cooperation possibilities within the framework of the SCAF development program ”.

Be that as it may. concludes the document on this subject. the “government will ask the Consortium SCAF to integrate Belgium belgium wants integrate scaf project new as a full-fledged partner” and “the capital gain in terms of societal returns, consolidation and
strengthening the industrial and technological defense base must be ensured. »»

Clearly. Belgium belgium wants integrate scaf project wishes to integrate phase 2 of the SCAF, whose launch is not ensured for the moment. Project manager for the development of the new generation fighting aircraft. Dassault Aviation claims to be revised a revision of governance rules to have free hands against Airbus. whose voice is double, thanks to the participation of its German and Spanish subsidiaries in this project.

Moreover. the CEO of Dassault Aviation. Éric Trappier, has always seen with a bad eye a possible participation of Belgium in the SCAF.

“I also hear about a possible participation of Belgium. Under these conditions, I suggest creating an F-35 club within the SCAF project … “, he had quipped, during a parliamentary hearing belgium wants integrate scaf project new in 2023.

“I think we have to stick to what we are committed to, which is not already easy. We must make phase 1B to three. I hope that we will continue belgium wants integrate scaf project with phase 2. which will allow the future plane to fly, always three. If we want to expand cooperation, discussions will be longer. I remind you that we, French, only represent only one third of this project. I fear that going further will not result in a loss of useful skills, “said Mr. Trappier.