Overview

• An unnamed French official said France could proceed on a future fighter without Germany and Spain, noting any effort would still draw on a wider European supplier base and keep a 2040 in‑service target.
• Dassault CEO Éric Trappier reiterated that the company can design, build, fly and produce a sixth‑generation jet, while pressing for greater authority over the New Generation Fighter pillar.
• Germany plans a trilateral meeting with France and Spain in Berlin in October, and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius wants a clear way forward or a decision on the program by year’s end.
• Reports of Berlin courting new partners were countered by Pistorius and Sweden’s Pål Jonson, who said no talks are underway, with Sweden targeting a choice on its own fighter path between 2028 and 2030.
• Core sticking points include industrial governance, division of work and diverging design preferences—France favoring a lighter carrier‑capable jet and Germany leaning heavier—on a project estimated around €100 billion to replace Rafale and Eurofighter fleets.