France and Germany to fire up stalled FCAS fighter jet project

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.

About €3.8bn had been earmarked for this next phase — dubbed “Phase 1b” — and a deadline set for the end of last year. Talks stalled after disagreements over intellectual property between the companies, how work would be divided, and over the jet’s specifications.  

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.

ft.com