France’s Top General Says Engine Will Be Toughest Test for FCAS

November 7, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764101715220-386

French Air Force Faces Challenge in Developing New Fighter Engine

France’s Chief of the Defense Staff, General Fabien Mandon, has warned that developing a new fighter engine will be the toughest challenge facing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Safran Aircraft Engines leads the engine pillar, with MTU Aero Engines as its main partner. The FCAS Next Generation Fighter (NGF) requires an engine producing roughly 11 tonnes of thrust. This marks a significant leap ahead of current European designs and will require new thermodynamic cycles, higher turbine temperatures, and a greater mass flow.

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Key Takeaways

France’s Chief of the Defense Staff warns that engine development will be toughest test for FCAS.
Safran Aircraft Engines leads engine pillar, with MTU Aero Engines as main partner.
FCAS Next Generation Fighter (NGF) requires an engine producing roughly 11 tonnes of thrust.

Safran Aircraft Engines MTU Aero Engines

Strategic Implications

This may indicate France’s growing concern about aerial threats and its desire to develop a capable fighter engine. The focus on propulsion suggests a shift in defense priorities, with the ability to power the FCAS platform being critical to its success.