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6d ago

Merz and Macron Set Year-End FCAS Decision as October Talks Scheduled

A dispute over governance, including a reported 80% French workshare demand, threatens the demonstrator phase.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stands next to French President Emmanuel Macron as he welcomes him for bilateral talks at Villa Borsig in Berlin, Germany July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
Members of the military work on PA-200 Tornado combat aircraft at an air base of German army Bundeswehr, in Buechel, Germany, July 18, 2024. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo
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A model of a Future Combat Air System (SCAF), a European aircraft developed by France, Germany and Spain is displayed during the 54th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

Overview

  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to decide the programme’s future by year-end.
  • German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany, France and Spain will hold ministerial talks in October to identify stumbling blocks and present options, with a Phase 2 launch decision expected in the fourth quarter.
  • Berlin says French industry’s push for dominant control is blocking entry to Phase 2, which was intended to produce airworthy demonstrators initially targeted for the end of this year.
  • Spain’s defence minister reaffirmed full commitment to the project and said Madrid will work to invigorate it after dropping consideration of the U.S. F-35 in favour of Eurofighter or FCAS.
  • A senior German lawmaker warned Berlin could quit if no progress is made, suggesting alternatives such as additional Eurofighters or other partnerships, while Airbus cautioned the project risks falling apart without a governance deal by year-end.