“French President Emmanuel Macron found himself in a difficult situation due to the conflict surrounding the creation of a new European fighter jet. France’s Dassault Aviation does not want to lose control of a key part of the project, while Germany and Airbus oppose it. If the parties do not agree, one of the most important defense projects in Europe may fail. The Financial Times writes about it. President of France”, — write on: ua.news
French President Emmanuel Macron found himself in a difficult situation due to the conflict surrounding the creation of a new European fighter jet. France’s Dassault Aviation does not want to lose control of a key part of the project, while Germany and Airbus oppose it. If the parties do not agree, one of the most important defense projects in Europe may fail. He writes about it Financial Times.
French President Emmanuel Macron has faced a major setback in his plans to build a new European fighter jet. It is about the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program — a large-scale project worth about 100 billion euros, which France is developing together with Germany and Spain.
This aircraft should become the basis of European aviation of the future. It is expected to work together with drones, use the latest weapons and modern communication systems. The project was conceived as a symbol of Europe’s defense independence and reducing dependence on the United States.
But FCAS is now under threat due to conflict between key players.
Dassault does not want to lose control
The main dispute arose between the French company Dassault Aviation and the European concern Airbus. Dassault is the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets and one of the most influential defense companies in France. It is she who is responsible for creating a new aircraft within FCAS.
The company insists it should remain the main developer of the fighter and control key decisions. Dassault CEO Eric Trappier does not want to hand over that authority to Airbus. Airbus and the German government, on the other hand, believe that control should be more evenly distributed.
As noted by the Financial Times, the situation resembles the events of the past. In the 1980s, Dassault had already refused to participate in the creation of the Eurofighter Typhoon because it did not want to lose its leading role. As a result, other countries besides France created this aircraft.
The conflict showed the real balance of power
This situation showed that even the French president does not have full control over the country’s defense industry.
One industry veteran, former Airbus CEO Marwan Lahoud, explained it this way: “Everyone thinks the government makes all the decisions, but in reality it’s much more complicated. There is a trade-off. It all boils down to what France expects from a defense company—does it expect the company to obey or to produce the best weapons systems?”
Another representative of the defense industry put it even more bluntly: “Ministers come and go, presidents come and go — and Dassault stays.” These words show how much influence the company has.
Macron is trying to save the project
Macron has already held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz to avoid the failure of the program. For the French president, this project has not only military, but also political significance.
He has long promoted the idea of a strong European defense independent of the United States. FCAS was to become the main symbol of this policy. But due to the conflict between companies and countries, the project may fail or be seriously delayed. In Germany, it has already been hinted that they may go another way — to create their own fighter or find other partners.
Without German support, the project may fail
FCAS was launched in 2017 when Macron and then-Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the start of joint development. France was responsible for the aircraft itself, while Airbus was responsible for the other systems.
But over time, disputes between the parties began regarding management, technical solutions and the distribution of roles. Berlin accused Dassault of changing the terms of the deal and unwillingness to share control. Now the situation has come to an impasse.
One French defense executive said: “When I hear some German colleagues say they don’t understand what’s going on with FCAS, or how they said in 2022: ‘Once Macron is re-elected, he can force the family to do this’, I want to laugh.” This reaffirms that even the president cannot simply order a private defense company to change its position.
At stake is not only the plane, but also Macron’s legacy
For Macron, this project is of special importance. He actively promoted the idea of creating a strong European military-industrial complex. If FCAS fails, it will be a serious blow to his reputation and political legacy.
The Financial Times notes that this could be a “stain on Macron’s legacy”, given his years of efforts to create European defense independence.
France is also promoting the Rafale in the global market
Despite the conflict, France continues to actively sell its Rafale fighters to other countries. During Macron’s visit to India, France is expected to try to secure a contract for the supply of around 100 such aircraft.
This is important not only for the economy, but also for the influence of France in the world. After all, the sale of fighter jets strengthens political and military ties between countries.
Why it is important for Europe
The FCAS project was supposed to be Europe’s answer to new challenges and competition with the USA, China and Russia. The new fighter was supposed to replace existing aircraft in the future and ensure Europe’s independence in the field of defense.
But now, due to the conflict between the allies, this plan is in jeopardy. If France and Germany do not agree, Europe may lose the chance to create its own fighter of the new generation and remain dependent on other countries.
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