Advantage F-35 as Germany's Merz Says Don't Need Same Fighter Jet as France

Germany may leave its joint fighter jet project with France, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday, citing differing military needs.

Speaking on the podcast Machtwechsel, Merz said Germany does not require the same next-generation fighter as France, which needs an aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and operating from aircraft carriers. “That’s not what we currently need in the German military,” he said.

The Future Combat Aircraft System (FCAS) project, launched in 2017 by France, Germany, and later Spain, aims to replace France’s Rafale jets and Germany and Spain’s Eurofighters by around 2040. It also includes drones and a digital cloud system.

The project has faced delays amid disputes between France’s Dassault Aviation and Germany’s Airbus over control of the aircraft portion. Merz said France and Germany are “at odds over the specifications” and questioned whether a single aircraft can meet both countries’ needs.

French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his support for FCAS, calling it crucial for European security. Germany’s foreign minister emphasized that Paris remains Berlin’s “closest partner and most important friend in Europe.”

If Germany exits, it could pursue alternative partnerships, including with Swedish firm Saab. The €100 billion project involves Airbus as Germany’s lead contractor and Spain’s Indra Sistemas. German industry and the IG Metall union support a potential split to focus on Germany’s own military priorities.