German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned whether the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) can deliver a jointly developed next-generation fighter jet due to a growing mismatch between French and German operational requirements. The program faces challenges with its requirements profile, and Germany is considering exploring new fighter variants or partnerships if a compromise proves impossible.
Airbus Defence and Space's works council in Germany has renewed its call to end the partnership with Dassault on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), citing ongoing disagreements over workshare and responsibilities. The union is seeking clear-cut arrangements, while German officials have indicated that a choice must be made on whether and how the program proceeds.
Germany is considering a follow-on purchase of more than 35 additional F-35 stealth fighters, according to Reuters sources. This move would take Berlin's planned fleet to over 70 aircraft and further anchor the Luftwaffe's modernization to US technology.
Germany's newly appointed Air Force chief, Lieutenant General Holger Neumann, has indicated Berlin may pursue alternative fighter aircraft options if the troubled Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program continues facing delays. In a Der Spiegel interview, Neumann emphasized that Germany's priority is building a highly networked force centered on combat cloud technology and unmanned systems, rather than any specific crewed fighter platform.
In a provocative opinion piece published in Handelsblatt, leading German labor union IG Metall and aerospace industry association BDLI called for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program to be scrapped. The authors proposed establishing their own future fighter jet program and seeking partners who wish to participate.
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.
France and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, citing renewed cooperation and shared goals for European strategic autonomy. However, Germany declined to comment on the meeting, fueling concerns over the program's progress and potential industry disputes.
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.
Former Airbus CEO Tom Enders has warned Germany against launching a national fighter program, citing the high costs and timeline. He argues that prioritizing uncrewed combat aircraft is crucial for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury sought to lower tensions around the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter pillar, cautioning against an overly aggressive bet on an unmanned-only future. Faury emphasized that cooperation at scale is key to Europe's competitiveness in defense.
A French senator has claimed that Airbus Germany's failure to deliver critical technical sub-assemblies for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) triggered Dassault Aviation's push for stronger governance over the New Generation Fighter program. Senator Hugues Saury told France's Senate that Airbus's German subsidiary couldn't fulfill its responsibilities, straining engineering teams and prompting Dassault to demand greater authority as prime contractor.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has expressed confidence in the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) despite ongoing tensions with Dassault Aviation. The program, launched in 2017, aims to deliver a 'system of systems' centered on a next-generation fighter, supported by collaborative drones and a networked combat cloud.