Belgium to seek full partner status in FCAS/SCAF programme

A full-scale mock-up of the NGWS of FCAS/SCAF, which comprises the NGF combat aircraft and the RC unmanned adjuncts. Belgium is now seeking to join the effort to develop this system of systems as a full partner alongside France, Germany, and Spain. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

Belgium is to seek full partner status on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)/Système de Combat Aérien du Futur (SCAF) programme it joined as an observer in 2024.

As noted in the Strategic Vision 2025 report published on 18 July, the Belgian government will ask the other partners of France, Germany, and Spain to admit the country as a full partner “as soon as possible”.

Having announced its participation in the FCAS/SCAF project as an observer in April 2024, Belgium has budgeted EUR300 million (USD351 million) to allow the country's full participation in the upcoming development phase planned for 2026–30.

Currently, the total cost of this development phase for all partners is estimated at approximately EUR5 billion. After 2030, and likely until around 2040, the operational development of the FCAS/SCAF programme is expected to cost an additional EUR40–50 billion for all partners, according to the report. Belgian funds for the third development phase starting in 2030 will be included in the amended Military Programming Law.

Belgium's current observer country status affords it access to information on the programme and its development, which is now in the Phase 1B stage concerned with developing a flying demonstrator.