What Happened
Trappier Defends Leadership Amid Program Deadlock
Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has rejected allegations that the company is failing to meet its contractual commitments on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, instead blaming the program’s deadlock on governance and leadership issues. Trappier argued that the dispute is not about workshare, but about decision-making authority and the need for a ‘real leader’ to guide the program. The comments were made during Dassault’s 2025 annual results briefing, where the company reported higher sales and operating profit. The FCAS program has been plagued by delays and disagreements between partner countries, with some calling for a separate national or semi-national fighter program. According to AeroTime.