German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has openly questioned the future of the FCAS program, the Future Combat Air System being developed jointly with France and Spain. The first signal of Berlin's possible withdrawal from the 100-billion-euro project came during an interview on the Machtwechsel podcast. Merz pointed to fundamental differences in the operational requirements of both countries, casting doubt on the current model of arms cooperation between Berlin and Paris.
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During an appearance on a podcast program, Friedrich Merz made a sharp turn in German defense policy, publicly distancing himself from the FCAS project (Future Combat Air System). The Chancellor argued that the needs of the Bundeswehr and the French Air Force are too divergent to continue joint work on a single platform. Germany does not need an aircraft adapted for landing on aircraft carriers or capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which is a key requirement for the French side. This declaration prompted an immediate reaction from the Élysée Palace, which described Berlin's position as “incomprehensible”. Since the signing of the Élysée Treaty in 1963, France and Germany have sought to build a common security architecture, although their industrial interests have often led to rivalry in key military procurement.The situation is all the more tense as Merz suggested a paradigm shift towards unmanned systems, questioning the need to build a conventional, manned next-generation jet. Criticism of the FCAS project, estimated to cost 100 billion euros, coincides with the Chancellor's planned visit to Beijing and growing pressure from the United States under the administration of Donald Trump. At the same time, the head of the German government unequivocally ruled out Germany's pursuit of its own nuclear arsenal, proposing instead to strengthen cooperation within a Euro-nuclear shield based on the capabilities of France and Great Britain. Experts indicate that such a radical stance could lead to the most serious crisis in Franco-German relations in decades. 100 billion € — is the estimated cost of the FCAS fighter program The statements by Merz also form part of a broader strategy to reshape Germany's role in Europe. The Chancellor is seeking new strategic partnerships, including in relations with China, which is intended to counterbalance American tariff policy. The change of course regarding the FCAS project could pave the way for alternative alliances with Great Britain or purchases of American F-35 aircraft, which, however, would mean the end of dreams of full technological sovereignty for the old continent in the field of military aviation.
Mentioned People
- Friedrich Merz — Chancellor of Germany, leader of the CDU, questioning joint European defense projects.
- Emmanuel Macron — President of France, proponent of European sovereignty and the FCAS project.
- Boris Pistorius — German Defense Minister, previously supportive of military cooperation.