The joint German-French project to develop the sixth-generation FCAS fighter has effectively stalled, n-tv reports. The Future Combat Air System program was considered one of Europe’s most ambitious defense projects.
According to German sources, the work has reached an impasse because of protracted disputes between Dassault Aviation, Airbus and Spain’s Indra Sistemas. The central conflict concerned the division of authority and shares in the development process. France sought a more clearly defined leading role, while Germany insisted on strictly equal participation by the parties in line with the terms agreed earlier.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had earlier said that one of the main causes of disagreement was the countries’ different requirements for the future aircraft. Paris needs a fighter capable of carrying nuclear weapons and operating from an aircraft carrier. For Berlin, those functions are not necessary. Germany proposed creating two versions of the aircraft, but France did not support that option.
Amid persistent disagreements among the participants, the program has ultimately been effectively frozen. Its cost was estimated at more than €100 billion. The project was intended to create a new generation of combat aircraft operating in conjunction with drones and, over time, to replace France’s Rafale jets as well as German and Spanish Eurofighters.