After FCAS demise, Germany’s options include ordering more F-35 warplanes

Key Points:

• Germany is reconsidering its approach to developing a next-generation fighter jet after the collapse of the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.
• Defense Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three main options: purchasing additional U.S. F-35 stealth jets, joining an existing international sixth-generation fighter program such as the Global Combat Air Programme, or initiating a new German-led program with Airbus and other partners.
• The option to buy more F-35 jets, potentially adding 15 to the 35 already ordered, is seen as a possible interim solution while pursuing a next-generation weapon.
• The FCAS program ended due to unresolved disputes over intellectual property and differing military requirements between French company Dassault and German partners, despite strong political support from both governments.
• Pistorius acknowledged that the program's setup was flawed and indicated that Germany had been preparing alternative plans with Airbus for months in anticipation of FCAS's failure.