In the midst of a trade war between Europe and the United States, Brussels made the choice, in early July, confirm the purchase of 11 new American F-35 combat aircraft for an amount of one billion euros. These devices are added to the 34 already ordered in 2018, the first deliveries of which are expected this fall. At the time, the Rafale was in the running to strengthen Belgian air defense, but it was the American hunter who had been selected.
But that’s not all: after having announced these new F-35 orders, Belgium very recently reaffirmed its wish to participate in phase 2 of the Air Combat System (SCAF), a European project which aims to replace the French Rafale and the Eurofighter. Asked about the Belgian intentions, the CEO of the French aircraft manufacturer, Éric Trappier, did not chew his words.
« Either I am unpleasant, or I am not. As I am rather a diplomat, I would say that if it gives up buying F-35, Belgium is welcome. If I was not a diplomat, I would say that she doesn’t care about our “mouth”. You choose the right answer “He said at a press conference dedicated to the presentation of Dassault Aviation’s half-yearly results on Tuesday, July 22.
« Honestly, Belgium has just announced, in the midst of a trade war between Europe and the United States, that it was going to buy F-35. I have nothing against it. What surprises me is that she does it at the very moment when she says she wants to join the SCAF “, He continued. Before adding: ” The F-35 takes more time to be produced than the Rafale, which is not necessarily a great performance. It therefore takes four or five years, which brings us to 2030. A fighting aircraft lasts 30 to 40 years. So we are returned to 2060/70 before they need to renew their fleet. »
Will Dassault continue in the SCAF project?
In addition, the SCAF project is struggling to take off due to the persistent disagreements between Paris and Berlin on the designation of a prime contractor. Launched in 2017 by France and Germany, the fighting aviation program for the future must ultimately equip the European sky. Spain joined the initiative in 2019, more complexing decisions. The possible arrival of a fourth country, in this case Belgium, is therefore perceived with a bad eye. “” Complexity is not an engine to make performance “, Tackled Éric Trappier.
The program is currently in “B phase 1B”, devoted to the development of technologies of the future demonstrator. Phase 2, which must be launched in 2026, provides for the construction of the prototype proper. Éric Trappier also refuted any desire to have 80 % participation in the program when some lent him this ambition. During this press conference, the question of a possible withdrawal from Dassault Aviation of the SCAF was asked at the CEO. “” It is not a problem to leave, it is a problem to know if the project continues or not “, He concluded.
