France and Germany have ended their joint effort to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet under the Future Combat Air System program. The $116 billion initiative, launched in 2017, aimed to deliver advanced combat aircraft by 2040 but collapsed amid disputes between Dassault Aviation and Airbus.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision after months of deadlock. The Élysée Palace stated that German authorities concluded it was not possible to apply further pressure on the companies involved. The project was intended to incorporate advanced sensors, Artificial Intelligence, and enhanced stealth features. European Union Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius had earlier described the plan as a failure, noting Europe's difficulties with multinational defense efforts. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that with current knowledge, the project would not be launched in its original form. France indicated it will continue seeking ambitious European defense projects aligned with national security interests.
