Rafale lone-bidder for Belgian fighter plans

France has decided to make a direct proposal to Belgium for the 34 new fighters required by the latter. France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly has proposed a partnership between the two countries which, as well as the aircraft supply, would include co-operation in operational, training and support fields as well as industrial and technical co-operation involving French and Belgian

companies. Dassault has confirmed the Rafale was being offered as a replacement for the Belgian Air Component’s F-16 fleet, saying that along with its partners, it is participating fully in the “comprehensive partnership offer” made by the French authorities.