Belgium Reaffirms F-35 Purchase, Snubs Rafale Amid EU Strategic Autonomy Debate
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced on April 23, 2025, the decision to purchase more F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, prioritizing U.S. alignment over France’s Rafale amidst European strategic autonomy discussions. This move raises concerns over Europe’s military independence and highlights ongoing reliance on American military technology in defense.
hassan benyoub 
Brussels, Belgium – On April 23, 2025, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever confirmed the country’s decision to purchase additional F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, once again sidelining France’s Rafale amid growing tensions with the United States and calls for European strategic autonomy. This move reinforces Belgium’s alignment with the U.S.-led program, despite concerns over dependency on American military technology.
Belgium’s Continued Commitment to the F-35
De Wever justified the decision by citing continuity, stating, “As we have already bought 34 F-35s, it will have to be F-35s again,” as reported by Le Figaro. He emphasized the multilateral nature of the F-35 program, noting that components are produced in Italy, framing it as a collaborative effort rather than a solely American project. However, this rationale has drawn skepticism, given the F-35’s reliance on U.S.-controlled software updates and the broader context of strained U.S.-EU relations under President Donald Trump, who has threatened trade wars and expressed interest in acquiring Greenland.
EU Strategic Autonomy Under Scrutiny
The Belgian decision comes at a time when the European Union is pushing for greater military and industrial independence, with nearly 90% of Europe’s military aircraft being American-made, according to Peer de Jong, a graduate of the Paris École Supérieure de Guerre, in an interview with Le JDD. Currently, around 600 F-35s are on order by ten European nations, highlighting the continent’s heavy reliance on U.S. technology. Critics argue that Belgium’s choice undermines the EU’s goal of strategic autonomy, favoring alignment with the U.S. over supporting European defense industries like France’s Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale.
Rafale Sidelined Despite Global Success
The Rafale, renowned for its versatility and global appeal with nearly 500 units sold worldwide, has once again been overlooked in Europe, where only Croatia and Greece have opted for the French jet, as noted by Dassault Aviation. A source close to Dassault, quoted in Le JDD in March 2025, lamented, “Europeans deploy more energy convincing Trump to stay than seeking alternatives like the Rafale,” reflecting frustration over the lack of support for European-made aircraft amid doubts about U.S. commitment to NATO and European defense.
Portugal: A Potential Rafale Customer?
Amid uncertainties surrounding U.S. policy under Trump, Portugal’s Defense Minister Nuno Melo announced on March 13, 2025, the postponement of its F-35 order, as reported by The Aviationist. Seizing the opportunity, Dassault’s CEO Éric Trappier expressed interest in offering the Rafale to Portugal, stating to Le JDD, “I am indeed keen to propose our aircraft to Portugal.” This development signals a potential shift in the European defense market, as countries reassess their reliance on American military hardware.
Conclusion: A Divisive Decision
Belgium’s reaffirmed commitment to the F-35 over the Rafale highlights the ongoing tension between NATO alignment and European strategic autonomy. While the decision strengthens Belgium’s military ties with the U.S., it raises questions about the future of Europe’s defense independence and the role of homegrown solutions like the Rafale in a geopolitically uncertain landscape. As other nations like Portugal reconsider their options, the debate over Europe’s military future continues to intensify.
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