The ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet program FCAS, jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain, has plunged into a deep crisis. Sources report that the project's implementation is now "highly unlikely" due to strategic disagreements between Paris and Berlin. This is reported by Reuters, writes UNN.
Details
Last week, a meeting of the defense ministers of the three countries did not bring the expected breakthrough. Instead of announcing the transition to the next stage at the EU summit in Brussels, the parties again reached a deadlock.
According to three informed sources, the final decision, which Germany sought to make by the end of 2025, will likely be postponed to 2026.
Dassault vs. Airbus: the struggle for leadership
The main stumbling block remains the conflict of interests between industrial giants. The French contractor Dassault insists on its leading role in the project, which categorically does not suit the German side represented by the Airbus corporation. In addition, the countries cannot agree on key components of the system:
- Creation of a common "combat cloud."
- Development of accompanying drone systems.
Different needs – different aircraft
The fundamental problem lies in the difference in military doctrines. France needs a multi-role fighter capable of operating from aircraft carriers and carrying nuclear weapons. At the same time, Germany does not have an aircraft carrier fleet and has already opted for American F-35s for NATO nuclear missions.
The future of the program depends on whether Germany is ready to reconsider its dependence on arms imports from the US
The FCAS project was supposed to replace Rafale and Eurofighter fighters by 2040, becoming the basis of European air security. However, experts are now increasingly talking about the possible collapse of the alliance, which could be a serious blow to the European Union's defense autonomy.