Germany Considers Exit from FCAS Over French Dominance 🇩🇪

German media, citing sources within the federal administration in Berlin, reported that the government is considering withdrawing from cooperation with France in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. According to these reports, dissatisfaction with the division of work and the dominant role of French industry are the main reasons behind the move.

Berlin is said to be analysing alternatives, including participation in other sixth-generation fighter projects led by the United Kingdom with Italy and Japan. The situation around FCAS is increasingly compared to the MAWS maritime patrol aircraft programme, which was formally dissolved after Germany ordered eight Boeing P-8A Poseidons through the FMS process while France pursued the Airbus A321MPA independently.