In an interview broadcast on Wednesday, Chancellor Merz signalled that Germany’s military needs diverge significantly from those of its key partner, raising questions about whether the two countries can continue to co-develop a next-generation fighter jet.
“The French need a next-generation fighter jet that is capable of carrying nuclear weapons and operating from an aircraft carrier. That is not what we currently need in the German army,” he said in the Machtwechsel podcast.
His remarks underscore a widening rift between Paris and Berlin, not only on defence industrial policy but also on broader strategic priorities – from military spending to trade.
At the heart of the disagreement lies a fundamental question: can one single aircraft satisfy two very different operational doctrines?
Merz is sceptical, as France and Germany, he noted, are “at odds over the specifications and profiles” of the future jet. Paris is pushing for a single platform tailored to its requirements, while Berlin is weighing whether it makes sense to pursue a different design altogether.
“The question now is: do we have the strength and the will to build two aircraft for these two different requirements profiles, or just one?” he said, hinting that failure to reconcile these differences could spell the end of Germany’s participation.
If no compromise is found, Merz added, “we will not be able to continue with the project” – while pointing out that other European partners could step in to collaborate with Berlin.
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Flagship project under strain
Launched in 2017 by President Emmanuel Macron and then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, and later joined by Spain, the FCAS – also known by its French acronym SCAF – was conceived as a cornerstone of European defence cooperation.
More than just a fighter jet, the programme envisions an interconnected system combining crewed aircraft, drones and a sophisticated “combat cloud” enabling real-time data sharing across the battlefield.
The goal is to replace France’s Rafale and Germany and Spain’s Eurofighter fleets by 2040, strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Yet nearly a decade on, the project has been beset by delays, industrial disputes and political friction.
Germany had initially pledged to decide on its continued participation by the end of 2025, but that deadline has slipped repeatedly. Paris, for its part, has remained publicly committed to the programme, insisting on its long-term viability.
Industrial tensions have also complicated progress. France’s Dassault Aviation, the project’s prime contractor, has pushed for greater control over design and manufacturing. That stance has irritated Germany and Spain, whose interests are represented by Airbus, and who are keen to ensure a more balanced distribution of work.
Despite these hurdles, supporters of FCAS argue that the programme still represents a rare opportunity for Europe to pool resources, share expertise and build cutting-edge capabilities that no single country could easily develop alone.
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Berlin eyes alternative paths
Merz’s comments suggest that patience in Berlin may be wearing thin.
In recent weeks, influential voices within Germany’s industrial and labour landscape have openly advocated for a different approach. Jürgen Kerner, vice-president of the powerful IG Metall union, and Marie-Christine von Hahn, head of the German Aerospace Industries Association, have both argued that Germany should consider developing its own fighter jet in partnership with other countries.
Such a shift would mark a significant turning point, potentially reshaping Europe’s defence industrial landscape and opening the door to new alliances.
It would also reflect Germany’s broader strategic repositioning. Berlin has embarked on an ambitious plan to build what it hopes will become Europe’s leading conventional military force, backed by substantial increases in defence spending.
This push has not been without friction. German officials have criticised France for what they see as insufficient efforts to boost military budgets, arguing that Paris should go further – even if that means reducing social spending.
At the same time, disagreements have surfaced on economic policy, including France’s opposition to the proposed Mercosur trade agreement with South American countries, adding another layer of tension to an already complex relationship.
Still, for all the disagreements, there remains a shared recognition on both sides of the Rhine that cooperation is essential in an increasingly uncertain world.
The question now is whether FCAS can be reshaped to accommodate diverging national priorities – or whether it will become another example of Europe’s difficulty in turning grand defence ambitions into reality.
(With newswires)