Europe ,Belgium  

Belgium joins NGWS/FCAS as observer, investing €60 million in R&D to bolster defense capabilities; program aims to develop sixth-gen fighter, enhancing Europe's strategic autonomy.

Belgium has recently taken a significant step forward in defense collaboration by agreeing to join the Next Generation Weapon System/Future Combat Air System (NGWS/FCAS) as an observer nation. This important decision, led by Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder, comes after extensive discussions with Germany, France, and Spain, the main countries involved in the project.

In addition to obtaining observer status, the Belgian Council of Ministers has approved a €60 million research and development program aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Belgian defense industry. This initiative focuses on deeper engagement with the NGWS/FCAS development efforts.

The NGWS/FCAS, also known as the Système de Combat Aérien du Futur (SCAF), was launched in 2017 as a multinational effort to develop a sixth-generation jet fighter to replace older models like the Rafale and Eurofighter. This project consists of several advanced components: the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), unmanned Remote Carriers (RCs), and a distributed digital framework known as the Combat Cloud (CC).

The NGF is designed to be a highly advanced, multi-role combat aircraft equipped with the latest technologies for operational effectiveness, survivability, and connectivity. The unmanned RCs will support the NGF by performing various tasks, from surveillance to direct combat, enhancing the overall force capability in challenging environments.

The Combat Cloud (CC) is a revolutionary digital framework that enables seamless management of data and operations across different platforms. This system facilitates real-time intelligence sharing and coordination among both manned and unmanned systems in the air, as well as integration with naval, land, and cyber forces.

The development of the NGWS is divided into seven technology pillars, each managed by a leading national company from the partner nations. These pillars cover the NGF, engines, RCs, the Combat Cloud, sensors, stealth technologies, and overall program coordination, involving major European aerospace and defense companies such as Dassault Aviation, Airbus, and Indra.

The FCAS program is crucial for maintaining Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological independence. With a target to reach a demonstrator phase by 2027 and full operational capability by 2040, the program aims to integrate complex technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and stealth technologies. This initiative reflects a pivotal shift toward network-centric warfare, highlighting the growing importance of data and connectivity in modern combat scenarios.

In summary, Belgium's decision to join the NGWS/FCAS as an observer nation underscores the country's commitment to defense collaboration and technological advancement, contributing to Europe's collective security and defense capabilities.