Germany and France have decided to terminate their joint project to create a next-generation fighter jet, which was considered one of Europe's most ambitious defense projects. The leaders of the two countries reached this decision after prolonged disputes between the program's industrial partners. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
According to the agency, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the future of the project during the EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro. Following the talks, the parties concluded that it would be impossible to overcome the months-long deadlock between the program participants.
The Elysée Palace stated that Airbus, representing Germany and Spain, and the French company Dassault Aviation were unable to agree on key issues regarding the project's implementation. It was the conflict between the defense corporations that became the main reason for its collapse.
The decision to abandon the program was made against the backdrop of calls to strengthen European defense due to growing threats from Russia and pressure from the US for European allies to increase military spending.
Macron and Merz to discuss fate of troubled $100 billion FCAS fighter project - media18.03.26, 10:05