Belgium Joins Europe's Next-Gen Fighter Program in 2025

Belgium has announced its participation in the pan-European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) next-generation air combat program, joining France, Germany, and Spain. Belgium will sign an observer agreement in December 2023 and officially become part of FCAS in June 2025. The program includes the development of a crewed fighter known as the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) and complementary technologies such as drones and air-launched weapons. Belgium's involvement in FCAS is surprising as the country is already invested in the F-35 program. Sweden, on the other hand, has effectively withdrawn from the rival Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) and Tempest. The future of Europe's next-generation air combat programs may see changes and the addition of new partners.