Overview

• They set a year-end deadline to resolve outstanding consortium issues in the FCAS combat jet project.
• They committed to accelerating the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System after Rheinmetall’s CEO urged the development of a joint production concept with Thales and KNDS.
• The German government is contemplating a minority stake in KNDS to preserve Franco-German balance as founding shareholders prepare to sell shares.
• Germany will assume a leading implementation role in the Elsa long-range weapons program while defining required capabilities with partner nations.
• The next session of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council is scheduled in Toulon for the end of August to review progress.