France and Germany are ready to move to the next phase of
the FCAS jet project, removing a key irritant in their bilateral relationship. The two
countries and Airbus and Dassault Aviation,
are close to formally advancing to a crucial stage of the FCAS, during which the demonstrator jet will be built. A deal could
be reached in the coming days.
Speaking in Berlin on Monday, chief of Airbus defence and space, signalled the
next phase of FCAS was on a surer footing. FCAS is Europe’s biggest defence project. It was designed to
enhance the continent’s strategic autonomy, strengthen political and military
ties between its biggest economies and breathe new life into the European
aerospace industry.
Paris was also
alarmed at Germany’s decision in March to buy 35 American-made F-35 JFS.
Germany argued that the F-35s were urgently needed to
ensure its continued role in Nato’s system of nuclear sharing. FCAS was
conceived to include a next-generation jet that is designed to work seamlessly
with drones and be fitted with advanced communications systems. If finalised,
it could replace the fighter jets flown by European air forces, such as the
Eurofighter, Germany’s Tornado and France’s Rafale.
Airbus and Dassault
converged on the bare bones of an agreement just over two weeks ago, with each
company making concessions. Dassault and
Airbus declined to comment on the details of the discussions. The agreement
salvages FCAS, although only for the prototype phase. The delays mean that
delivery of a jet for 2040 is unlikely to be met. Tempest, which is
developed by the UK and Italy with companies including BAE Systems and the UK
arm of Italy’s Leonardo. Talks are continuing with Japan over whether to
integrate its F-X fighter jet programme with Tempest.
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