Europe's Ambition for Defense Autonomy Faces Setback

Reference News Network, June 18 report The Spanish newspaper "El Periódico" published an article on June 14 titled "Europe's Next Generation Fighter Jet Program Fails, Dealing a Heavy Blow to Defense Autonomy Ambitions," authored by Anna Buch Kuso. The full translation is as follows:

As the United States gradually withdraws from European defense under the NATO framework, Berlin has received bad news: the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain, has officially been declared "stillborn." This is undoubtedly a cold shower for Europe's ambitions for strategic autonomy. Especially since Trump took office over a year ago, European leaders have repeatedly emphasized the need to reduce dependence on American weapons and technology.

Although the European Commission has approved billions of euros in defense loans and established a multinational cooperation framework to promote European joint projects, the collapse of this landmark project has rendered all efforts futile. Despite early signs of failure, German Chancellor Merz's formal announcement of the project's collapse due to irreconcilable differences is still a heavy blow for Brussels. The current transatlantic relationship is precarious, and the EU's geopolitical strategic autonomy is more important than ever.

The FCAS project began in 2017, aiming to develop a new generation of fighter jets to replace the current "Typhoon" and "Rafale" aircraft within 15 years. Currently, European air forces still primarily rely on American-made F-16s, making the idea of creating a purely European fighter jet a significant political bargaining chip.

However, cooperation ultimately broke down. France and Germany, as well as Airbus and Dassault, were unable to reach a consensus on the specific requirements for the aircraft needed by Europe. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles bluntly stated that the project's termination is a complete failure.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has always been outspoken, stating that the actions of Paris and Berlin are "purely foolish." Upon hearing the news, he lamented, "I am disappointed to see that France and Germany could not reach an agreement on developing a European fighter jet. What a waste of time, what arrogance!"

European diplomats interpret this outcome as a bad signal in the face of the United States, stating, "At this moment, we cannot show any disunity."

Ángel Saz, director of the Esade Center for Global Economy and Geopolitics in Spain, pointed out: "In my view, this is a huge failure because it is precisely at a time when Europe needs more military strength and more military unity that we see the only and last strong European project being abandoned. At a time when we most need to strengthen defense integration and have autonomous defense technology, we are witnessing a return to the mindset of individual nation-states. Germany and France are competing with each other and unable to reach a consensus on a European vision. I believe the strategic vision displayed by the two main engines of Europe is very shortsighted."

On the official level, Brussels believes that nothing has changed. "We definitely need to continue our work because we need to increase investment in defense companies," said EU defense spokesperson Thomas Reine. He reiterated that this is one of the "main priorities" of the European Commission.

Reine mentioned two new tools: the first is the European Defense Fund (EDF), which plans to allocate 8 billion euros for research and development from 2021 to 2027; the second is the "European Security Action" tool (SAFE), which can provide financial support totaling up to 150 billion euros, aimed at promoting joint procurement of defense capabilities by different countries.

Now, it remains to be seen which possible projects can replace FCAS. The Germans are already considering their alternatives, Spain is also involved in the project, while the French want to go it alone. Currently, there are three to four new generation fighter jet projects underway. One of the most reliable options is the joint project between the UK, Japan, and Italy, which plans to bring a new aircraft into service within ten years.

Saz cautioned: "I think the French are likely to push forward on their own, which is a short-sighted approach; I don't know how the Germans will reposition themselves."

Across the Atlantic, the Pentagon is not waiting. According to the New York Times, in the coming weeks, the Pentagon will inform European allies of plans to significantly reduce the number of aircraft and warships it provides for NATO operations on the European continent, including the withdrawal of about 50 F-16 and F-15E fighter jets. Europe must rally. (Translation/ Han Chao)