New generation fighter jet, Germany: ‘We are working to continue our partnership with France’

Frankfurt (Germany), 18 February (LaPresse) – ‘Our scenario is not to dissolve this partnership but to maintain it,’ said German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius at a press conference, responding to a question about the joint project between Germany and France for the new generation fighter aircraft (FCAS). ‘The conditions are currently under negotiation; it is a well-known and widely discussed issue. We are now awaiting a decision from France on whether it still sees a future in this cooperation as it was agreed at the outset,’ explained the spokesman. ‘There are increasing signs that this may be the intention,’ he added, referring to possible developments on the industrial side. As for the possibility of an alternative plan in the event of a partner withdrawal, Kornelius stressed: ‘The federal government is working towards the continuation of the partnership, not its dissolution. For this reason, we are not speculating on alternative scenarios or new hypotheses.’ German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in an interview with the podcast “Machtwechsel”, explained that there are some differences with France on the joint military fighter jet project, particularly regarding military requirements. ‘The French want a new-generation aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and operating from aircraft carriers, features that we do not require,’ explained the Chancellor, stressing that this is not a political clash but a matter of different military requirements and that Berlin is also discussing whether manned fighter jets will still be needed in 20 years’ time.