Overview

• At a factory inauguration in Cergy, CEO Éric Trappier said Dassault could deliver a sixth‑generation aircraft “from A to Z” and rejected three‑way parity governance with Airbus.
• Germany and Spain say they want a solution by end‑2025 and, according to officials and media reports, are prepared to proceed without France or recruit other partners.
• An Airbus Defence works council leader told Handelsblatt the program could move forward without Dassault, citing the availability of more suitable partners in Europe.
• France’s defence ministry said the three governments and industry teams are mobilized to prepare Phase 2 and aim for a mutually acceptable deal by year‑end.
• Phase 1B runs through 2026 with a demonstrator slated to fly in 2028–2029, the project faces competition from the UK‑Italy‑Japan GCAP effort, and total costs are estimated near €100 billion.