2023-05-31 07:21:01
According to her, these remarks do not contribute to a Europe of Defence.
“It makes me smile because this statement does not really surprise me. This kind of declaration has blocked Defense Europe for years, ”she explained on the airwaves of La Première.
Heard by the French Senate, the boss of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier, declared himself opposed to European countries which have opted for the American F-35 fighter plane – in particular Belgium – joining the SCAF program (System of Future Air Combat). The Lockheed Martin aircraft was then preferred to the French Rafale.
“I don’t see why I would give Belgians work today,” he said a week ago.
Words that contrast with the solicitude shown by French parliamentarians in March with regard to Belgium. Deputy Thomas Gassilloud (LREM, party of President Macron), who was leading a parliamentary delegation, then pleaded in favor of the SCAF in front of his Belgian colleagues and considered that the Belgian defense industry had its place around the table.
“I attach particular importance to strengthening Defense Europe”, underlined Mrs Dedonder, who recalled the amount of 1.8 billion euros which will be invested within the framework of the STAR plan to promote innovation in that sector.
“Mr. Trappier, however powerful CEO he may be, is not going to tell me how I should act and I hope that the governments of other European countries in favor of a Europe of Defense will not follow this advice”, she added.
The SCAF is made up of a set of combat systems. “Belgian companies in the aeronautics sector are recognized for their know-how. They do not want to enter into such a project to have crumbs but to bring added value, ”she said once more.
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