Belgium Ignored French €20 billion Package in Selecting F-35: Dassault

Dassault Aviation has said it participated in France’s global strategic partnership offer to the Belgian Government with the Rafale fighter and an economic and societal package in high-tech sectors worth €20 billion over 20 years.

This unique partnership by France to Belgium, outside the call for tenders, has not been examined (while making the selection in favor of the US-made F-35), a Dassault release said Friday.

Dassault Aviation takes note of the sovereign decision by the Belgian authorities to select the American option to replace the Air Component’s F-16. Dassault Aviation is not surprised by the Belgian government decision, some actors’ preference for the F-35 had long been clear enough.

The choice of the F-35 is a bad signal for the construction of a European defence. Once again, we can see an American preference prevailing in Europe.

Dassault Aviation and its industrial partners are continuing to develop the operational capabilities of the Rafale, in service in France and in countries that want to have a first-rate air force at their disposal in full sovereignty.

Dassault Aviation is also mobilized with its partner Airbus to support the political will of France and Germany to prepare for the future with the Future Combat Air System project.