Spain will defend its share of the sixth-generation fighter programme, after investing more than $2.7bn

Belgium was recently granted observer status in the development programme for the sixth generation of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter aircraft. Spain has already said it will protect its share in the project.

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Observer status means Belgium will not involve industry. However, the head of French company Dassault Aviation has criticised the possibility of expanding the FCAS project. This happened before Belgium was officially announced as a new member.

The FCAS project will have the same impact on the Spanish economy as the Eurofighter in the 1990s. This was stated by Amparo Valcarce, Secretary of State for Defence, during the Paris Air Show.

Spain has already invested €2.5 billion ($2.73 billion) in the program. FCAS will create 1,200 jobs. The Iberian country has a 33% stake in the project. Amparo Valcarce said she would protect this 33% amid talk of a possible expansion of the FCAS project.

Source: Infodefensa