Overview
- An anonymous French official said Paris is prepared to develop a next‑generation combat aircraft on its own if talks with Berlin and Madrid fail, echoing Dassault CEO Éric Trappier’s assertion that the company can build it “from A to Z.”
- Trappier rejected the current three‑way parity decision‑making, insisting Dassault must be allowed to lead the technical program, while maintaining that cooperation remains possible.
- German and Spanish leaders reiterated that the current setup is not working and set a target to reach a solution by the end of 2025, with reporting indicating Berlin could proceed with Spain or consider other partners if no deal is reached.
- An Airbus Defence works council leader told Handelsblatt the program could advance without Dassault, underscoring the risk of a split if governance and workshare disputes persist.
- Phase 1B technology work runs to 2026, the phase‑2 demonstrator build is slated to start thereafter with nearly €5 billion in investment, and the project faces competitive pressure from the UK‑Italy‑Japan GCAP aiming for an advanced fighter by 2035.