Franco-German alliance aims to resolve FCAS woes by end of April as dispute rolls on
Reports from July 2025 indicated that France had asked Germany for approximately 80% of the workshare for the FCAS fighter jet. (Photo: Airbus)
The crisis-riddled Future Combat Air System (FCAS) sixth-generation fighter programme is aiming to secure a path forward by the end of April, as the dispute between industry partners rolls on.
As reported by Reuters, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that moderators from Germany and France had been appointed to find ways to ensure the future of the €100 billion (US$115.26 billion) future-fighter project by the end of April 2026.
The two leaders of France and Germany met ahead of the European Summit on 19 March to discuss the growing rift between the defence industry partners in the programme, yet no
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
-
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?