In view of the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, it has been somewhat overlooked that the largest multinational armaments project with German participation, the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS), could be on the verge of failure.
This is indicated by is indicated by a formulation in the latest armaments report published by the German Ministry of Defense last Wednesday The report states the following about the status and development of the project: “The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) refers to the system of systems of airborne manned and/or unmanned existing and future weapon systems as well as other, not necessarily airborne sensors. Within the FCAS, the Next Generation Weapon System (NGWS) will represent the future core capability in a Future Operating Environment. The NGWS is a separate ‘system of systems’ consisting of a manned or optionally manned platform (Next Generation Fighter) and unmanned components (Remote Carriers =RC), which will be integrated into the FCAS network. From 2040, it will gradually take over all functions of offensive and defensive air operations.” And further: “The conclusion of IA 3 has paved the way for a continuation of the cooperation project on the customer side. The disagreements between the industries – in particular between Dassault Aviation and Airbus – are leading to a delay in the start of the next phase (technology maturation). If no agreement can be found that satisfies the interests of all three nations for participation on an equal footing, the continuation of the cooperation should be questioned.”
The statement should be seen against the backdrop of recent statements by the head of the French aviation company Dassault. A few days ago, Eric Trappier (according to a report in the French newspaper La Tribune) pointed out the discrepancies by recalling on June 28 at a memorial service for the 79 martyrs of aircraft construction of the Société nationale des Constructions Aéronautiques du Sud Ouest during the Second World War in Mérignac in the department of Gironde that France must preserve its “critical competencies in the field of aeronautics and defense aviation so that our pilots tomorrow receive the best equipment at the best price”. Trappier continued: “At some point, we must be able to say whether or not we will be able to launch the project! Cooperation can be better if it is efficient, but if it costs more and is less efficient, then there is no shame in doing everything on your own!” The problems with the lack of agreement at industry level were also addressed by the Bundestag’s Budget Committee last year. It remains to be seen whether the current statements from both sides are merely intended to build up pressure or whether the project is actually at risk.
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