France and Germany pivot away from joint FCAS fighter toward shared data-sharing backbone

Germany and France have scrapped the joint sixth-generation FCAS fighter after years of disagreements between Airbus and Dassault, choosing instead to salvage the program’s core data-sharing 'system of systems' and pursue a few realistic joint projects. Officials say July ministerial talks will draft an updated plan, but many elements—such as engine development and drone wingmen—are left uncertain as Europe weighs competing GCAP efforts and Spain’s observer status.