The EU’s €100 billion next-gen fighter is dead: Here’s why The €100 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, intended to develop a European next-generation fighter jet, has been formally abandoned by France and Germany due to long-standing industrial and political disagreements. Despite the stated goal of countering Russian threats and reducing reliance on US military hardware, the project suffered from disputes between main contractors Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space over workshare and governance. While the manned fighter component is canceled, elements like the ‘combat cloud’ and drone integration may be preserved for future national programs.

• France and Germany have officially canceled the €100 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project.
• The project aimed to develop a sixth-generation advanced combat aircraft for NATO members, intended to enter service after 2040.
• Years of industrial and political disagreements between French contractor Dassault Aviation and German-based Airbus Defence and Space, particularly over workshare and governance, led to the project’s failure.
• Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken had previously declared the project ‘dead’ in February.
• While the manned fighter component is dropped, participants hope to preserve elements like drone integration and the ‘combat cloud’ for future national aircraft programs.
• The collapse of FCAS is seen as a significant setback for French President Emmanuel Macron, who was instrumental in launching the initiative.
• Germany and France now plan to pursue their own national aircraft programs, with Germany potentially partnering with Sweden’s Saab.