Europe’s FCAS Fighter Jet Program Faces Critical October Meeting

Berlin, August 29 - In October 2025, the defense ministers of Germany, France, and Spain are set to convene to address the persistent challenges facing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a collaborative project aimed at developing a sixth-generation fighter jet to replace France’s Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon used by Germany and Spain. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced this meeting, emphasizing the urgency of resolving setbacks that have plagued the program, which is estimated to cost over 100 billion euros ($117 billion). The FCAS, initiated in 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron and then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with Spain joining in 2019, is envisioned as a "system of systems" integrating manned and unmanned aircraft, swarming drones, and a combat cloud network powered by artificial intelligence. The project is critical for European defense autonomy, aiming to rival advanced U.S. and Chinese fighters like the F-35 and J-20 by 2040. However, disputes over workshare, leadership, and intellectual property have repeatedly delayed progress, with the upcoming meeting intended to identify solutions and pave the way for a final decision by year’s end.

The FCAS program has faced significant hurdles, particularly due to tensions between France and Germany over industrial leadership. Berlin has accused French industry, specifically Dassault Aviation, which leads the development of the core New Generation Fighter (NGF), of demanding sole control and an 80% workshare, a claim that has sparked friction with Germany’s Airbus and Spain’s Indra, the other key industrial partners. This imbalance threatens the launch of Phase 2, which involves developing airworthy demonstrators originally scheduled for late 2025. Pistorius has stressed that existing contracts must be honored, and any changes require fresh negotiations, underscoring the need for speed to avoid further delays. Spain, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles declaring the program “essential and fundamental” and ruling out the purchase of U.S.-made F-35s in favor of European systems like FCAS or the Eurofighter. The October meeting will focus on aligning national interests to ensure the project moves forward collaboratively.

The FCAS is not just a fighter jet but a comprehensive platform designed to integrate advanced stealth, AI, and networked warfare capabilities. Dassault is tasked with developing the NGF, while Airbus leads on remote carrier vehicles (drones) and the combat cloud, with Safran and MTU Aero Engines handling the engine. The program’s ambition to deliver a carrier-capable jet with nuclear deterrence capabilities for France adds complexity, as does the tight 2040 deadline, which France considers non-negotiable. Previous phases, including Phase 1A (approved in 2020) and Phase 1B (launched in 2022), have seen strained collaboration, particularly between Dassault and Airbus, with Dassault’s CEO Eric Trappier emphasizing the need for clear leadership to streamline decisions. The October summit is seen as a critical juncture to resolve these industrial and political disputes, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Macron agreeing to finalize the program’s fate by December 2025.

The stakes for FCAS are high, as it represents Europe’s bid to maintain technological and strategic independence in defense amid growing global competition. Pistorius has called the project one that Europe is “damned to succeed” at, reflecting the shared recognition of its importance despite national rivalries. Spain’s decision to prioritize FCAS and European systems signals a broader shift toward regional self-reliance, reducing dependence on U.S. technology. The October meeting will test the ability of Germany, France, and Spain to set aside differences and commit to a cooperative approach. Failure to advance could jeopardize Europe’s defense ambitions, while success could position FCAS as a cornerstone of the continent’s future air power, integrating cutting-edge technology to meet 21st-century security challenges.