Overview
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned whether the Luftwaffe still needs a manned sixth‑generation fighter and underscored France’s nuclear and carrier requirements that Germany does not share.
- Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said the company would support two separate fighters if mandated and urged safeguarding FCAS work on drones and the digital combat cloud.
- French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the push for a standardized European fighter, saying common needs have not changed and arguing multiple aircraft would waste resources.
- Reports said Berlin was considering ordering dozens more F‑35As as a hedge, but a government spokesperson later stated there are currently no plans to expand Germany’s existing order.
- German and French officials signaled the fighter pillar remains deadlocked as governments aim for a political decision by late 2026, with partners seeking to preserve shared workstreams and GCAP backers reportedly courting Germany.