France and Germany Agree to Advance Joint Development of Next-Generation Fighter Jets
Xinhua News Agency, Nicosia, April 24 (Reporters Zhang Zhaoqing, Ding Yinghua) The leaders of France and Germany agreed on the 24th to continue negotiations on the joint development of the next-generation fighter jet. This project, seen as a landmark initiative for strengthening European defense industrial cooperation in nearly a decade, is precarious due to differing opinions between the two countries on issues such as leadership.
French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz held talks in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, on the morning of the 24th before attending an informal EU leaders' meeting, agreeing to authorize their respective defense ministers to continue consultations on the matter. Macron stated that the two sides would not only discuss the fighter jet project but also enhance cooperation in various defense areas.
France and Germany announced in 2017 that they would jointly develop the "Future Combat Air System," which includes the next-generation fighter jet, with Spain officially joining in 2019. However, there are significant disagreements between Airbus's German division and France's Dassault Aviation regarding work shares and technological leadership, hindering the project's progress.
France and Germany agreed to continue negotiations on the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet in Nicosia on April 24, 2023. The project, which includes Spain, has faced challenges due to disagreements over leadership and work shares between Airbus and Dassault Aviation. French President Macron emphasized the importance of enhancing defense cooperation between the two nations.
- France and Germany agreed to continue negotiations on a next-generation fighter jet.
- The project has faced challenges due to disagreements over leadership and work shares.
- The discussions took place in Nicosia before an EU leaders' informal meeting.
- Spain joined the project in 2019, which aims to develop a future air combat system.