Germany, France postpone FCAS fighter jet program decision indefinitely

Germany and France have postponed indefinitely a final decision on the multi‑billion‑euro Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a German chancellery spokesman confirmed on Wednesday. Originally slated for August and then delayed until year‑end, the decision has been pushed back again due to both unresolved industrial disagreements and a crowded bilateral foreign and security policy agenda.

Reasons for the Delay

A German government spokesperson told defense news site Hartpunkt that the comprehensive German‑French agenda on foreign and security issues “has not yet made it possible to address the issue of a joint fighter jet at the level of the president and the chancellor.” No new timeline for a decision has been set. The postponement also reflects ongoing disputes over the industrial shares allocated to core contractors Dassault (France), Airbus (Germany/Spain), and Indra (Spain).

Program Scope and Significance

FCAS is envisioned as Europe’s largest and most expensive defense project, encompassing not only a next‑generation fighter but also integrated unarmed and armed drones. The system is designed to replace the Eurofighter starting around 2040 and involves Germany, France, and Spain.

Broader Implications

The indefinite delay underscores the complexities of aligning strategic priorities, budgetary commitments, and industrial interests in major multinational defense programs. It also highlights the challenges Europe faces in advancing joint capability projects amid evolving security threats and competing national priorities.