Europe's next-generation fighter jet project may collapse if row continues, says warplane maker

"If Airbus maintains its position of not wanting to work with Dassault, the matter is dead. Dassault was the selected leader—I understand that Airbus doesn't like that decision but we are making sure that we comply with the contract."

"The two companies have been locked in a dispute over how to share the work on the jet component of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), with Dassault claiming it should take the lead and that Airbus should take a backseat. The wide-ranging project, which will also include autonomous drones and a futuristic combat communications cloud, was announced nearly nine years ago."

"The German military did not need a nuclear-capable fighter, while France did, Merz said last month, insisting it was not a political dispute but a technical one between the two countries. Trappier said there are different operational needs between the two countries that could explain the need for two planes instead of one."

Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence are embroiled in a dispute over the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a €100 billion European defence initiative involving fighter jets, autonomous drones, and combat communications systems. Dassault claims it should lead the jet component with Airbus in a supporting role, citing contractual agreements. Airbus refuses this arrangement, threatening project viability. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned whether the planned warplane meets Germany's needs, citing different operational requirements and Germany's lack of nuclear capability needs. Dassault disputes this characterization, suggesting technical differences between nations could justify separate aircraft development rather than abandonment of the collaborative effort.

Read at www.theguardian.com