Merz Aims to Save the New Generation Fighter Jet Program for France and Germany

According to a report by Reference News on March 30, Agence France-Presse reported on March 27 that German Chancellor Merz stated on the 27th that he is determined to save the "Future Combat Air System" (FCAS) fighter jet project in cooperation with France, while admitting that he almost abandoned this troubled plan.

FCAS is a flagship project led jointly by France, Germany, and Spain, aimed at building a new generation of fighter jets, but the project is currently stalled due to ongoing disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus.

After a meeting with Merz earlier this month, French President Macron announced that he would make one last attempt to save the project by mediating between the relevant companies. On the 27th, Merz clearly stated that he has appointed a French mediator and a German mediator to propose a plan by the end of April.

Speaking at a forum in Frankfurt, Merz said, "I will do everything I can and persevere to restart the European joint project, especially the Franco-German joint project." However, he also admitted that he had "almost given up because I could hardly see any opportunity."

The FCAS project was launched in 2017 and is often seen as a symbol of Franco-German cooperation in defense and security. In the face of a hostile Russia and an increasingly hesitant United States regarding security commitments, these two European powers are trying to present a united front.

However, deep divisions between competing companies have threatened the progress of the project. This month, Dassault accused Airbus of deliberately undermining the project. Merz hinted in February that Berlin might completely abandon the plan. (Translated by Pan Ge Ping)