Airbus has released a statement on Belgium’s selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35A, claiming it is a “lost opportunity for European Defence.”

The company says its Eurofighter bid would have “represented a superior choice both in terms of operational capability and industrial opportunities” for Belgium, including a claimed economic benefit of “more than €19 billion (A$30.5bn) direct contribution to the Belgian economy.”

“This partnership could have also laid the path for Belgium to join the Franco-German Future Combat Air System programme, which Airbus is currently defining with its strong industrial partner Dassault Aviation,” the statement adds.

Belgium has an initial requirement for 34 F-35As to replace 54 F-16MLUs in service.