Friday, February 20, 2026-German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly questioned the future of Europe’s flagship joint fighter jet program, signaling that Berlin may walk away from a major €100 billion defense initiative if disagreements aren’t resolved.
Merz stated that Germany simply does not need the same next-generation aircraft that France wants — a jet capable of carrying nuclear weapons and operating from aircraft carriers — because such capabilities don’t align with Germany’s current military strategy. The project, known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), has been stalled amid rising quarrels between industrial partners and competing national requirements.
Merz’s remarks underscore deepening differences over basic design and capability profiles, rather than political discord, but the practical effect is clear: Germany is preparing to reconsider its role in FCAS unless consensus can be found. Defense officials in Berlin are even debating whether manned fighter jets will remain relevant two decades from now, hinting at broader strategic uncertainty.
Several NATO allies and industry leaders have expressed concern that failing to find common ground could undermine Europe’s ability to field cutting-edge combat aircraft and jeopardize collective defense cooperation.
The potential breakdown of FCAS comes as Germany explores alternatives to maintain its air combat edge. Officials are weighing purchases of additional U.S.-made F‑35 jets to fill capability gaps if the European program falters, and discussions with other partners such as Sweden’s aerospace industry are underway.
Meanwhile, France has reiterated its commitment to the joint effort, but differences over specifications and leadership in the project remain unresolved. The outcome of ongoing negotiations will be closely watched in Berlin, Paris, and across NATO, as it will shape European military aviation for decades.
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