FCAS collapse exposes rift over Europe’s defence sovereignty

Germany terminated the €100bn Future Combat Air System fighter project with France and Spain, exposing ongoing Franco-German leadership and technology disputes and raising questions about Europe’s ability to build a sixth-generation jet alone. France’s finances and Dassault’s reluctance to share tech complicate a revival, but Berlin and Paris could salvage other FCAS elements (drones, sensors, combat cloud) and pursue related programmes like long‑range missiles and early‑warning systems to boost deterrence and reduce US dependency.