France regrets Belgium’s decision to buy F-35 from USA

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed regret over the decision of Brussels to buy fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from the US instead of German Eurofighter or French Rafale, noting that it runs counter to European interests.

The Belgian government has decided to purchase from the United States for the rearmament of the air forces of the kingdom the F-35 Lightning II fifth generation fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel explained on Friday that the authorities decided to buy the F-35 Lightning II from the United States as a better commercial proposal for the Americans, as well as the fact that France did not name the exact cost of its Rafale F3R fighter aircraft to Brussels.
"For my part, I regret the decision that was made ... I think that this decision is related to the Belgian procedure, to which I have great respect. It is also due to political restrictions, and it’s not for me to comment on it. But strategically it goes against with European interests ", - said Macron at a joint press conference with the President of Slovakia Andrei Kiska.
The French leader also added that he intends to do everything to draw attention to future European business proposals.