Taiwan's air force has grounded its F-16 fleet and suspended training missions on the jet after one of the planes and the pilot went missing earlier this week.


Taiwan takes big decision on F-16 jets as pilot remains missing

From supersonic agility to operational reliability, these jets have proven that affordability and effectiveness can coexist. Nations with limited defence budgets have leveraged such aircraft to maintain air superiority, train pilots, and adapt to evolving threats.

'Cheap, sturdy, deadly': 5 most cost-effective fighter jets ever built

According to Global FirePower’s 2025 data, Cambodia is ranked 95th out of 145 countries with a Power Index score of 2.0752.

Frigates vs patrol boats: Can Cambodia counter Thailand’s naval power?

Over the last two decades, Pakistan has poured more than $4 billion into buying, upgrading and maintaining its fleet of F-16 fighter jets from the United States. Contrary to some reports, much of this spending came from Pakistan&rsquo;s own funds, not from American military aid.
Records show that in 2010 alone, Pakistan paid $1.4 billion for 18 new F-16 Block-52 jets and another $1.3 billion to upgrade its older jets. Six years later, another $699 million was spent on eight more F-16s with full systems. In 2011, Pakistan also ordered $62 million worth of spare parts.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-can-pakistan-use-f-16s-against-india-operation-sindoor-pakistan-drone-attack-pahalgam-terror-attack-9050088" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Operation Sindoor: Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here&rsquo;s what the rules say</a>
The trend continued with maintenance contracts. In 2019, a $125 million package funded round-the-clock technical oversight, while in 2022, Pakistan paid $450 million for a sustainment deal covering spares, repairs, and engineering services.
Lockheed Martin, the American company behind the F-16, made huge profits from these deals. With an average operating margin of around 11%, it&rsquo;s estimated that the US defence industry earned nearly $445 million in profit from Pakistan&rsquo;s F-16-related contracts.
Here&rsquo;s a look at how the numbers add up:
<ul>
<li>18 F-16 jets (2010): $1.4B &rarr; ~$154M profit</li>
<li>F-16 upgrades (2010): $1.3B &rarr; ~$143M profit</li>
<li>8 F-16 jets (2016): $699M &rarr; ~$77M profit</li>
<li>Support deal (2022): $450M &rarr; ~$50M profit</li>
<li>Technical support (2019): $125M &rarr; ~$14M profit</li>
<li>Spare parts (2011): $62M &rarr; ~$7M profit</li>
</ul>
Total estimated US industry profit: $445 million
Total cost to Pakistan: over $4 billion
<h2>History of F-16 deals with Pakistan</h2>
The F-16 journey began in the early 1980s, when the US sold up to 110 jets to Pakistan under President Reagan. But by 1990, sanctions hit due to Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear programme, freezing deliveries.
After 9/11, Pakistan returned as a key US partner in the so-called war on terror. Military ties resumed, and in 2005, two upgraded F-16s were handed over as military aid. In 2006, a major upgrade programme began, mostly funded by Pakistan with a small amount ($108 million) of American assistance.
In 2010, Pakistan received 18 brand-new F-16 Block 52 jets for $1.4 billion. These were pitched as a tool to strike terror in camps with precision. Reports said this was a sign of deeper US-Pakistan ties post-9/11.
By late 2008, Pakistan had asked to use $368 million in US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for upgrades. Still, over 80% of the total cost came from Pakistan&rsquo;s own funds.
<h2>Tight restrictions on how Pakistan could use the jets</h2>
Every F-16 deal with Pakistan came with end-user conditions. The US made it clear: The jets were to be used only for counterterror operations, not against other nations.
Washington closely monitored how Pakistan used the aircraft, aiming to stop any action that might destabilise the region. Despite these limitations, Islamabad continued to invest heavily in these jets.

World: Records show that in 2010 alone, Pakistan paid $1.4 billion for 18 new F-16 Block-52 jets and another $1.3 billion to upgrade its older jets.

Over the last two decades, Pakistan has poured more than $4 billion into buying, upgrading and maintaining its fleet of F-16 fighter jets from the United States. Contrary to some reports, much of this spending came from Pakistan’s own funds, not from American military aid. Records show that in 2010 alone, Pakistan paid $1.4 billion for 18 new F-16 Block-52 jets and another $1.3 billion to upgrade its older jets. Six years later, another $699 million was spent on eight more F-16s with full systems. In 2011, Pakistan also ordered $62 million worth of spare parts. Also read: Operation Sindoor: Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here’s what the rules say The trend continued with maintenance contracts. In 2019, a $125 million package funded round-the-clock technical oversight, while in 2022, Pakistan paid $450 million for a sustainment deal covering spares, repairs, and engineering services. Lockheed Martin, the American company behind the F-16, made huge profits from these deals. With an average operating margin of around 11%, it’s estimated that the US defence industry earned nearly $445 million in profit from Pakistan’s F-16-related contracts. Here’s a look at how the numbers add up: 18 F-16 jets (2010): $1.4B → ~$154M profit F-16 upgrades (2010): $1.3B → ~$143M profit 8 F-16 jets (2016): $699M → ~$77M profit Support deal (2022): $450M → ~$50M profit Technical support (2019): $125M → ~$14M profit Spare parts (2011): $62M → ~$7M profit Total estimated US industry profit: $445 million Total cost to Pakistan: over $4 billion History of F-16 deals with Pakistan The F-16 journey began in the early 1980s, when the US sold up to 110 jets to Pakistan under President Reagan. But by 1990, sanctions hit due to Pakistan’s nuclear programme, freezing deliveries. After 9/11, Pakistan returned as a key US partner in the so-called war on terror. Military ties resumed, and in 2005, two upgraded F-16s were handed over as military aid. In 2006, a major upgrade programme began, mostly funded by Pakistan with a small amount ($108 million) of American assistance. In 2010, Pakistan received 18 brand-new F-16 Block 52 jets for $1.4 billion. These were pitched as a tool to strike terror in camps with precision. Reports said this was a sign of deeper US-Pakistan ties post-9/11. By late 2008, Pakistan had asked to use $368 million in US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for upgrades. Still, over 80% of the total cost came from Pakistan’s own funds. Tight restrictions on how Pakistan could use the jets Every F-16 deal with Pakistan came with end-user conditions. The US made it clear: The jets were to be used only for counterterror operations, not against other nations. Washington closely monitored how Pakistan used the aircraft, aiming to stop any action that might destabilise the region. Despite these limitations, Islamabad continued to invest heavily in these jets.

F-16 in fine print: How much Pakistan paid and how much profit US made? | A brief history of US-Pakistan F-16 deals

The US has delivered the first of 66 advanced F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan under a multi-billion dollar deal signed in 2019. This comes as satellite images reveal fresh Chinese bomber deployments in the South China Sea.

US delivers first F-16V jet to Taiwan amid China tensions

Ukraine has received the first F-16 fighter jets that it has sought for months to fight back against an onslaught of Russian missile strikes. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: Ukraine receives first F-16 fighter jets to bolster defenses against Russia

Western states are far from implementation of plans to ship US-made F-16 planes to Ukraine, and a lot of work is yet to be done for that, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said.

US: West far from shipping F-16 jets

A senior US official say that it is highly likely that the Kremlin drone attack was part of a series of covert operations orchestrated by Ukraine's security services. While the White House is investigating whether arms given to Ukraine have been used in attacks in Russia's Belgorod. Also, now fresh leads suggest that at least two Ukrainians might be responsible for the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline explosions. The big question is, can the west really trust Volodymyr Zelensky when it comes to F-16s.

Risks of catastrophic spillover of the Russia-Ukraine war

Near-miss nightmare in Russia-Ukraine war

At a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Japan to drum up support for his cause at the G7 summit, Russia has warned the West that providing Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets would be a ‘colossal risk’.&nbsp;

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko was responding to questions about the implications of Ukraine receiving the advanced, multi-role fighter aircraft.&nbsp;

“We see that Western countries are still adhering to the escalation scenario. It involves colossal risks for themselves," said&nbsp;Grushko.&nbsp;

“In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the goals we have set.”

<h2>Ukrainian prez pushes for fighter jets</h2>

Zelensky has been pushing the Western allies to supply the F-16 jets for months now. The Ukrainian leader&nbsp;discussed the proposition yet again with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G7 summit.&nbsp;

“Following their discussion at Chequers earlier this week, the prime minister reiterated that the UK would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance needed to win the war and secure a just peace. The prime minister updated President Zelensky on the very positive progress at the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the provision of fighter jets," read a statement released by 10, Downing Street.&nbsp;

Zelensky received the booster shot of confidence for his pursuit after US President Joe Biden on Friday said the White House would be willing to back a joint international effort to train&nbsp;Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 and other modern fighter jets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-come-down-heavy-on-g7-after-grouping-targets-them-594616">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russia, China come down heavy on G7 after grouping targets them</a>

<h2>Kyiv wants the F-16 desperately</h2>

Kyiv is in desperate need of more arms and advanced jets, especially after Moscow's Wagner private military unit&nbsp;claimed it had finally managed to take full control of the ruined&nbsp;eastern city of Bahamut after months of vicious fighting, though Kyiv has issued a denial.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-zelenskiy-at-centre-of-last-day-of-g7-summit-594607">WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine's Zelenskiy at centre of last day of G7 summit</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-come-down-heavy-on-g7-after-grouping-targets-them-594616#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

Colonel Yuri Ignat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman asserted the significance of the F-16 saying ground troops will benefit from its use.&nbsp;

"We need F-16s to become an integral part of our air defence. These fighters can engage aerial targets from both high and low altitudes," said Ignat,&nbsp;adding that the jets can carry advanced weapons.

"By utilising F-16s, our ground troops will be able to swiftly liberate occupied Ukrainian territories by targeting enemy command posts, military groups and logistics supply chains."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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At a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Japan to drum up support for his cause at the G7 summit, Russia has warned the West that providing Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets would be a ‘colossal risk’.

At a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Japan to drum up support for his cause at the G7 summit, Russia has warned the West that providing Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets would be a ‘colossal risk’. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko was responding to questions about the implications of Ukraine receiving the advanced, multi-role fighter aircraft. “We see that Western countries are still adhering to the escalation scenario. It involves colossal risks for themselves," said Grushko. “In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the goals we have set.” Ukrainian prez pushes for fighter jets Zelensky has been pushing the Western allies to supply the F-16 jets for months now. The Ukrainian leader discussed the proposition yet again with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G7 summit. “Following their discussion at Chequers earlier this week, the prime minister reiterated that the UK would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance needed to win the war and secure a just peace. The prime minister updated President Zelensky on the very positive progress at the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the provision of fighter jets," read a statement released by 10, Downing Street. Zelensky received the booster shot of confidence for his pursuit after US President Joe Biden on Friday said the White House would be willing to back a joint international effort to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 and other modern fighter jets. ALSO READ | Russia, China come down heavy on G7 after grouping targets them Kyiv wants the F-16 desperately Kyiv is in desperate need of more arms and advanced jets, especially after Moscow's Wagner private military unit claimed it had finally managed to take full control of the ruined eastern city of Bahamut after months of vicious fighting, though Kyiv has issued a denial. WATCH | Ukraine's Zelenskiy at centre of last day of G7 summit × Colonel Yuri Ignat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman asserted the significance of the F-16 saying ground troops will benefit from its use. "We need F-16s to become an integral part of our air defence. These fighters can engage aerial targets from both high and low altitudes," said Ignat, adding that the jets can carry advanced weapons. "By utilising F-16s, our ground troops will be able to swiftly liberate occupied Ukrainian territories by targeting enemy command posts, military groups and logistics supply chains." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia says West's supply of F-16 jets to Ukraine would carry ‘colossal risks’

Joe Biden has cleared a proposal to upgrade Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets for $450 million. The decision signals a resumption of US military aid to Pakistan after it was stopped by Donald Trump in 2018. How should India see this decision? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: US to upgrade Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets

Taiwan finalised the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing.

Underscoring the sensitivity of the transaction, the Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan.

The self-ruled island, which China considers part of its territory, last year obtained the green light from Washington for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defenses.

Taiwan already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992.

The new contract, which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 jets, provides for more modern aircraft with the newest technology and and weaponry.

Beijing insists that Taiwan -- an island of 23 million people that has been self-ruled since 1949 -- is part of its territory and has vowed to respond with force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence.

Washington, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main supplier of arms.

The Lockheed contract comes as Beijing flexes its political muscle in Hong Kong, imposing a sweeping security law on the international business hub, a move that has caused concern in Taiwan.

It also comes two days after a visit to Taiwan by the highest-level US delegation since 1979, provoking fury from Beijing, with ties between the two superpowers severely strained over issues from trade to military and security issues, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan finalised the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing.

Taiwan finalised the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing. Underscoring the sensitivity of the transaction, the Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan. The self-ruled island, which China considers part of its territory, last year obtained the green light from Washington for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defenses. Taiwan already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992. The new contract, which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 jets, provides for more modern aircraft with the newest technology and and weaponry. Beijing insists that Taiwan -- an island of 23 million people that has been self-ruled since 1949 -- is part of its territory and has vowed to respond with force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence. Washington, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main supplier of arms. The Lockheed contract comes as Beijing flexes its political muscle in Hong Kong, imposing a sweeping security law on the international business hub, a move that has caused concern in Taiwan. It also comes two days after a visit to Taiwan by the highest-level US delegation since 1979, provoking fury from Beijing, with ties between the two superpowers severely strained over issues from trade to military and security issues, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan finalises $62bn purchase of F-16 jets from Lockheed Martin

In a move likely to further inflame tensions between the US and China. Taiwan formally signed an agreement to buy 66 of the latest model F-16 jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp.

US-Taiwan Defence Deal: Taiwan buys jets from Lockheed Martin

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-says-it-is-seeking-information-on-whether-pakistan-used-f-16s-to-shoot-down-indian-jet-200891">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-says-it-is-seeking-information-on-whether-pakistan-used-f-16s-to-shoot-down-indian-jet-200891"> says it is 'seeking information' on whether Pakistan used F-16s to shoot down Indian jet</a>

The United States is "seeking information" on whether Pakistan used US-built F-16 jets to down an Indian warplane, the US Embassy in Islamabad said on Sunday, which may violate the F-16 sale agreements between Washington and Pakistan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilot-sustained-injuries-in-one-of-his-ribs-after-assault-from-pakistani-mob-sources-200899">Wing Commander Abhinandan's lower spine, rib hurt: Sources</a>

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying Abhinandan might have hurt his spine while ejecting from his MiG-21.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-will-prevent-us-military-intervention-in-venezuela-tass-200896">Russia says it will prevent US military intervention in Venezuela: TASS</a>

Russia will do all possible to prevent a US military intervention in Venezuela, the TASS news agency quoted the speaker of Russia's upper house of parliament as saying on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-dragon-capsule-successfully-docks-on-international-space-station-nasa-200895">SpaceX capsule docks successfully at International Space Station: NASA</a>

SpaceX's new Dragon capsule successfully docked on the International Space Station on Sunday, NASA and SpaceX confirmed during a live broadcast of the mission.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-linked-syria-group-kills-21-regime-forces-monitor-200898">Al-Qaeda-linked Syria group kills 21 regime forces: Monitor</a>

A Syrian jihadist group linked to Al-Qaeda killed 21 regime and allied forces Sunday near Idlib province, in one of the deadliest breaches of a six-month-old truce deal, a monitor said.

US says it is 'seeking information' on whether Pakistan used F-16s to shoot down Indian jet The United States is "seeking information" on whether Pakistan used US-built F-16 jets to down an Indian warplane, the US Embassy in Islamabad said on Sunday, which may violate the F-16 sale agreements between Washington and Pakistan.

US says it is 'seeking information' on whether Pakistan used F-16s to shoot down Indian jet The United States is "seeking information" on whether Pakistan used US-built F-16 jets to down an Indian warplane, the US Embassy in Islamabad said on Sunday, which may violate the F-16 sale agreements between Washington and Pakistan. Wing Commander Abhinandan's lower spine, rib hurt: Sources Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib. The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying Abhinandan might have hurt his spine while ejecting from his MiG-21. Russia says it will prevent US military intervention in Venezuela: TASS Russia will do all possible to prevent a US military intervention in Venezuela, the TASS news agency quoted the speaker of Russia's upper house of parliament as saying on Sunday. SpaceX capsule docks successfully at International Space Station: NASA SpaceX's new Dragon capsule successfully docked on the International Space Station on Sunday, NASA and SpaceX confirmed during a live broadcast of the mission. Al-Qaeda-linked Syria group kills 21 regime forces: Monitor A Syrian jihadist group linked to Al-Qaeda killed 21 regime and allied forces Sunday near Idlib province, in one of the deadliest breaches of a six-month-old truce deal, a monitor said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday criticised Belgium's decision to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets instead of European planes, saying that "strategically it goes against European interests".&nbsp;

The Belgian government announced Thursday that it would replace a fleet of ageing F-16 jets with the F-35 made by Lockheed Martin, rejecting rival offers to buy Eurofighter Typhoons or Rafales from the French group Dassault.

"The decision was linked to a Belgian procedure and the country's political constraints, but strategically it goes against European interests," Macron told journalists during a visit to Bratislava.

"Europe won't be strong unless it is truly sovereign and knows how to protect itself," he said, citing a need to develop "a genuine European defence capacity".

"I will do everything possible to promote European offers in future contracts," Macron added.

Critics said the choice of Lockheed would leave Belgium dependent on maintenance and operational systems firmly in US control, while also assailing a blow to Europe's efforts to unify its defence capacities.

Belgium justified the decision by saying the F-35s offered better value for money while best allowing it to meet its NATO commitments.

Prime Minister Charles Michel said his country would be purchasing equipment from both US and European suppliers as it bolstered defence spending.

On Friday, the French defence ministry announced that Belgium had confirmed an order for 442 Griffon and Jaguar armoured vehicles for around 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion).

The deal had been expected, but the announcement appeared timed to allay tensions between the two NATO allies.

'Lost opportunity'

Last year the European Union launched its "permanent structured cooperation on defence", or PESCO, aimed at unifying defence strategies across the bloc and rationalising a fragmented approach to buying and developing military equipment.

The EU itself is planning to vastly expand its defence budget starting in 2021, allocating some 13 billion euros over seven years to research and develop new equipment -- up from less than 600 million euros in the current budget.

Most countries see no problem allowing non-EU firms to compete for contracts under the PESCO cooperation, but France is leading a handful which want to restrict their participation.

But Washington has warned that excluding US companies could undermine NATO at a time when tensions are running high with Russia and new threats such as cyber attacks are emerging.

On Friday the European aerospace consortium Airbus also said it took note of Belgium's decision not to choose the Eurofighter Typhoon with "sincere regret".

"It is a lost opportunity to strengthen European industrial cooperation in times when the EU is called upon to increase its joint defence efforts," the company said.

It added that in buying Typhoons, Belgium could have eventually joined the French-German Future Combat Air System, aimed at developing next-generation jets to start replacing current Eurofighter and Rafale jets starting in 2035.

Airbus is one of the partners in the Eurofighter consortium, which also includes companies from Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Macron, speaking at the start of a two-day visit to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, also called on people to reject leaders who seek to "divide Europe".

"I will fight wherever they are trying to roll back justice, the ability of journalists to work freely, the role of universities, all which makes us European," he said.

Macron is hoping to counter a surge in support for populist parties and leaders in many European countries ahead of European Parliament elections next May.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday criticised Belgium's decision to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets instead of European planes, saying that "strategically it goes against European interests".

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday criticised Belgium's decision to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets instead of European planes, saying that "strategically it goes against European interests". The Belgian government announced Thursday that it would replace a fleet of ageing F-16 jets with the F-35 made by Lockheed Martin, rejecting rival offers to buy Eurofighter Typhoons or Rafales from the French group Dassault. "The decision was linked to a Belgian procedure and the country's political constraints, but strategically it goes against European interests," Macron told journalists during a visit to Bratislava. "Europe won't be strong unless it is truly sovereign and knows how to protect itself," he said, citing a need to develop "a genuine European defence capacity". "I will do everything possible to promote European offers in future contracts," Macron added. Critics said the choice of Lockheed would leave Belgium dependent on maintenance and operational systems firmly in US control, while also assailing a blow to Europe's efforts to unify its defence capacities. Belgium justified the decision by saying the F-35s offered better value for money while best allowing it to meet its NATO commitments. Prime Minister Charles Michel said his country would be purchasing equipment from both US and European suppliers as it bolstered defence spending. On Friday, the French defence ministry announced that Belgium had confirmed an order for 442 Griffon and Jaguar armoured vehicles for around 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion). The deal had been expected, but the announcement appeared timed to allay tensions between the two NATO allies. 'Lost opportunity' Last year the European Union launched its "permanent structured cooperation on defence", or PESCO, aimed at unifying defence strategies across the bloc and rationalising a fragmented approach to buying and developing military equipment. The EU itself is planning to vastly expand its defence budget starting in 2021, allocating some 13 billion euros over seven years to research and develop new equipment -- up from less than 600 million euros in the current budget. Most countries see no problem allowing non-EU firms to compete for contracts under the PESCO cooperation, but France is leading a handful which want to restrict their participation. But Washington has warned that excluding US companies could undermine NATO at a time when tensions are running high with Russia and new threats such as cyber attacks are emerging. On Friday the European aerospace consortium Airbus also said it took note of Belgium's decision not to choose the Eurofighter Typhoon with "sincere regret". "It is a lost opportunity to strengthen European industrial cooperation in times when the EU is called upon to increase its joint defence efforts," the company said. It added that in buying Typhoons, Belgium could have eventually joined the French-German Future Combat Air System, aimed at developing next-generation jets to start replacing current Eurofighter and Rafale jets starting in 2035. Airbus is one of the partners in the Eurofighter consortium, which also includes companies from Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. Macron, speaking at the start of a two-day visit to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, also called on people to reject leaders who seek to "divide Europe". "I will fight wherever they are trying to roll back justice, the ability of journalists to work freely, the role of universities, all which makes us European," he said. Macron is hoping to counter a surge in support for populist parties and leaders in many European countries ahead of European Parliament elections next May.

Belgian purchase of US jets 'against European interests': Emmanuel Macron

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