Overview
- Paris and Berlin confirmed a last attempt at expert mediation between Dassault and Airbus with a result required by mid-April, citing German budget timing.
- The standoff centers on the New Generation Fighter leadership, workshare and intellectual property, with the crewed jet identified as the core dispute within FCAS.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signaled openness to two separate fighters as Airbus explored a two-track path with Germany and Spain, while President Emmanuel Macron rejected that option.
- Talks to move into FCAS Phase 2 after April have stalled, and a demonstrator flight targeted for this year now appears unlikely according to industry reporting.
- The stakes are high with FCAS estimated around €100 billion and the fighter absorbing the largest share, as German industry groups IG Metall and BDLI urge a German-led alternative if cooperation fails.