Berlin ends FCAS fighter jet project, dashing Macron’s defense vision
Germany and France have abandoned the multi-nation Future Combat Air System fighter jet program after deep industrial disagreements between Airbus and Dassault, delivering a major setback to Macron’s push for closer European defense integration. The fighter component, to replace Germany’s Eurofighter and France’s Rafale by around 2040 and linked drones and a combat cloud, is effectively dead, though partners may still pursue drones and cloud work or other cooperative projects like GCAP; Merz is expected to announce the decision at the ILA Berlin air show, reflecting the broader challenges of multinational defense programs.