France and Germany have abandoned their joint development project for a next-generation fighter jet. However, they will continue with other projects, including drone systems, and will maintain the existing project name.
On June 8, the Élysée Palace announced that the two countries could no longer pursue the joint development of the next-generation fighter jet, a key component of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
According to Reuters, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the issue last week in Montenegro, concluding that there was no way to resolve the months-long deadlock among defense contractors.
The Élysée Palace stated, "German authorities determined that it was impossible to exert further pressure on the relevant companies," adding that "French authorities will continue to encourage our companies and military to seek ways and means to advance ambitious European projects that align with national security interests."
Despite the setback with the fighter jet, both countries agreed to proceed with the development of drone systems and other projects. The project name will remain unchanged, and discussions on future directions are expected to take place at the upcoming France-Germany defense ministers' meeting next month.
The FCAS is a sixth-generation combat system that combines manned and unmanned aircraft, including combat drones and a combat cloud. It has been regarded as the largest weapon development project in European history, with an estimated cost exceeding €100 billion (approximately 176 trillion won).
France and Germany agreed in 2017 to jointly develop a new fighter jet to replace the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, with Spain joining the initiative in 2019. However, conflicts arose when French company Dassault demanded an 80% stake in the fighter jet project, leading to tensions with Germany and Spain's Airbus.
Significant differences also emerged between the governments. France insisted on a fighter jet capable of carrying nuclear missiles and taking off from aircraft carriers, aligning with its military operational concepts. In contrast, Germany, lacking its own nuclear weapons and aircraft carriers, interpreted this as a push to effectively create a successor to the Rafale, leading to opposition.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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