Germany and France clash over future fighter jet program, Airbus suggests split

A major European defense project to build a new fighter jet, called the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), is in trouble. Germany's political leaders, including Friedrich Merz, and Italy's Giorgia Meloni held a private meeting in Brussels and appear to be pulling away from the joint project with France.

Airbus, a key industrial partner, has publicly suggested a 'split solution' or a 'two-fighter option' to keep the program alive, essentially proposing that Germany and France could develop separate aircraft. French President Emmanuel Macron has defended the joint project and has reportedly asked Merz for an explanation of Germany's position.