Turbulence Over Europe's Next-Gen Fighter Jet Project
Airbus and Dassault Aviation are experiencing tensions over the Future Combat Air System project, aimed at replacing current fighter jets by 2040. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury calls for Dassault to make a decision on governance disagreements. The collaboration, involving France, Germany, and Spain, faces potential collapse amid ongoing disputes.
The European defense landscape has hit turbulence as tensions flare between Airbus and Dassault Aviation over the Future Combat Air System (SCAF) project. This ambitious initiative, launched in 2017 by France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, aims to replace existing fighter jets by 2040.
Discord centers on governance issues, with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury urging Dassault to clarify its position following criticisms from Dassault's CEO, Eric Trappier. He has accused Airbus of causing delays in the project's core segment. The project's structure currently ensures equal participation from France, Germany, and Spain.
With significant political maneuvering required, time is of the essence to prevent the project's collapse. Germany's defense minister Boris Pistorius is optimistic about finding clarity by year-end, as the nations grapple with potential outcomes echoing past disputes, such as France's exit from the Eurofighter project.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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