According to Reuters, France has informed Germany that it seeks an 80% share in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a next-generation fighter jet program developed jointly with Spain.
The FCAS program, estimated to exceed €100 billion ($117 billion), is led by Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Indra.
France’s demand for greater control has sparked unease among the partner nations, as it may alter previously agreed terms and risk delaying the forthcoming development stage planned for year-end.
Germany’s defense ministry maintained that current intergovernmental agreements remain unchanged and deferred any questions regarding France’s position to Paris.
Both Airbus and the French Defense Ministry declined to comment, though Airbus affirmed its ongoing commitment to FCAS and existing agreements.
Launched by France and Germany in 2017, with Spain joining later, the FCAS program has consistently faced friction over workshare allocation and intellectual property issues among the member countries.
