European Aerospace Power Struggle: Future of the Fighter Jet

Airbus and Dassault Aviation are at odds over the Future Combat Air System project, potentially splitting the EU effort into separate French and German-led fighter jet programs. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury highlights the complexities and possible outcomes, including separate planes or a shared technological framework.

European aerospace giants are at a crossroads as Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury publicly addressed the potential bifurcation of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet project. Initially conceived as a Franco-German initiative, it now faces dissolution into separate national programs due to clashes over workshare and technology rights.

The FCAS, a significant €100 billion ($118 billion) defense project, aims to create a new fighter jet alongside armed drones and secure links. However, differences between France's Dassault Aviation and Germany's Airbus could lead to entirely distinct French and German-led aircraft, reflecting the challenges within international defense collaborations.

Faury suggests a range of outcomes, from developing a 'family of planes' under a shared umbrella to complete split programs. Despite these challenges, Faury remains hopeful for a European future in this complex defense arena, underscoring the strategic importance for Europe's security.

(With inputs from agencies.)