France and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a joint effort to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2040, despite ongoing disagreements over industrial roles and export rules. Meeting in Osnabrück, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the coming weeks would be “crucial,” with key decisions due by the end of Phase 1B in December.
FCAS, launched in 2017 with Spain later joining, is co-led by Dassault, Airbus, and Indra. Disputes persist over Dassault’s demand to lead the New Generation Fighter segment and fears of delays. Lecornu said solutions must be found, noting political leaders will decide on work share.
Tensions also remain over Germany’s restrictive arms export policy. Pistorius reassured France of Germany’s reliability and dismissed any role for the European Commission in export matters. Once Phase 2 is approved, work on the aircraft will begin.
via Politico
