France and Germany Consider Dropping Sixth-Generation Fighter from FCAS Program

November 17, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102195210-712

European Defense Partners Face Growing Tensions Over Next-Gen Fighter

France and Germany are considering scaling back their involvement in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, according to a report from the Financial Times. The two governments may cancel the joint New Generation Fighter (NGF) component and focus on the ‘combat cloud’ architecture instead. This decision follows persistent disagreements between key industrial partners, including Airbus Defence and Space and Dassault Aviation. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have urged their defense ministers to find a compromise, but a political decision is expected before the end of 2025.

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Key Takeaways

France and Germany consider scaling back fighter component of FCAS.
Program’s ‘combat cloud’ architecture may be prioritized over joint fighter development.
Possible shift could lead to cancellation of joint NGF program.
National initiatives or alternative multinational cooperations might replace joint work.
Industrial tensions between Airbus Defence and Space, Dassault Aviation, and other partners remain unresolved.

Airbus Defence and Space Dassault Aviation

Strategic Implications

This potential rethink may indicate a growing need for flexibility in defense partnerships. The focus on the ‘combat cloud’ architecture suggests a desire to maintain interoperability while reducing industrial risks. A shift away from joint fighter development could have significant implications for each nation’s sixth-generation aircraft plans, with France potentially pursuing a national design and Germany exploring alternative European or US-based solutions.