PARIS — In a significant development for European defense collaboration, France, Germany, and Spain are set to refine the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) at a summit in December.
The joint project, aimed at creating a sixth-generation fighter jet and its associated combat systems, is poised to move into the demonstrator phase following this meeting, according to Emmanuel Chiva, head of France’s General Directorate for Armament.
Chiva disclosed in a National Assembly session that France has allocated funding for the second phase of the FCAS in its 2025 defense budget.
However, he cautioned that the timeline for the program might face delays due to upcoming electoral schedules in partner countries, particularly Germany, which is slated to hold federal elections in September 2025.
“We cannot guarantee that this date will be met,” Chiva stated, emphasizing the potential impact of political developments on the project’s progression.
The FCAS has already encountered delays, particularly during the negotiations for Phase 1B, which were prolonged throughout 2022 due to disagreements between key partners Dassault Aviation and Airbus.
Dassault is known for manufacturing the Rafale fighter, which serves in the French Air and Space Force, while Airbus produces the Eurofighter for the German Air Force.
Chiva reiterated the urgency of advancing the FCAS, noting that the French armaments directorate previously anticipated the start of Phase 2 by early 2026. Dassault Aviation represents France in the initiative, while Airbus and Spanish partner Indra are involved as well.
French military doctrine mandates that the upcoming fighter jet must have the capability to carry nuclear weapons and operate from an aircraft carrier, along with the potential for export.
Chiva noted that current developments include enhancements to the Rafale fighter, which will integrate an air-combat drone as an uncrewed wingman and accommodate the new hypersonic nuclear missile, SNA4G.
“Today, the FCAS is an object that has yet to be defined,” Chiva remarked, affirming the necessity of a successor to the Rafale F5 to meet evolving deterrence needs.
In addition to the FCAS, the Franco-German project to develop a future land combat system, centered around a new main battle tank known as the Main Combat Ground System, is also experiencing delays.
Chiva highlighted that the establishment of a joint project company involving KNDS Germany, KNDS France, Rheinmetall, and Thales has been slower than expected. Consequently, the initial development orders, which were anticipated for early 2025, will likely be postponed.
On another front, France is actively supporting shipbuilder Naval Group in targeting export markets for its defense and intervention frigates. Chiva outlined a strategy focused on a “bare hull” approach, allowing Naval Group to maintain its workforce by constructing two frigates annually, even though the French Navy requires only one.
The first of these frigates, the Amiral Ronarc’h, is set to be delivered to the French Navy in 2025, with additional hulls scheduled for completion in subsequent years.
Lastly, negotiations are ongoing regarding the future aircraft carrier, with costs projected in the €10 billion range. The armament directorate expects to place an order for the next-generation vessel by late 2025.
The current carrier, Charles de Gaulle, is slated for a major overhaul in 2027-2028, which will include an inspection of its nuclear propulsion systems and a study on extending its operational life if needed.