France, Germany, and Spain to Finalize Sixth-Generation Fighter Project Ahead of Major Summit
PARIS — A pivotal summit scheduled for December will see France, Germany, and Spain refine the scope of their ambitious sixth-generation fighter jet program, as it transitions toward the demonstrator phase, according to Emmanuel Chiva, head of the French armaments office. This development projects a collaborative effort to enhance future combat systems that are critical to Europe’s defense architecture.
During a presentation to lawmakers at the National Assembly’s defense committee, Chiva confirmed that France has allocated funding for the second phase of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) in its 2025 defense budget. However, he expressed concerns over potential delays, citing the electoral timetable of partner nations, particularly Germany’s federal elections set for September next year. “I can’t guarantee that this date will be met, as it will depend in particular on the electoral deadlines of certain state partners,” Chiva stated.
Negotiations for Phase 1B of the FCAS program have previously faced significant hurdles, predominantly stemming from conflicts between primary partners Dassault Aviation and Airbus. Dassault Aviation, known for producing the Rafale fighter jet, represents France in the project, while Airbus is Germany’s representative with Indra contributing on behalf of Spain.
Chiva reiterated France’s requirements for the future jet, highlighting that it must possess the capability to carry nuclear weapons as part of the nation’s deterrence strategy, operate from aircraft carriers, and have potential for export.
In recent developments, France has initialized the advancement of the F5 standard for its Rafale aircraft, which will now include an uncrewed wingman drone and the capability to deploy the forthcoming hypersonic nuclear missile SNA4G. Chiva emphasized, “Today, the FCAS is an object that has yet to be defined,” while affirming that a successor to the Rafale F5 will be necessary considering evolving deterrence needs.
In parallel, France’s collaboration with Germany on a future land combat system, focused on a new main battle tank, is also facing delays. Chiva noted that establishing a joint project company involving KNDS from both countries, Rheinmetall, and Thales is taking longer than anticipated, pushing back initial development orders that were projected for early 2025.
Furthermore, in efforts to bolster its defense industrial base, France is prepared to support shipbuilder Naval Group, enabling it to pursue export opportunities with its defense and intervention frigate. Chiva mentioned a "bare hull" strategy that would allow the builder to maintain a workforce capable of producing two frigates annually, despite France’s needs being met by just one per year.
The French Navy is expected to receive its first of these new frigates, named Amiral Ronarc’h, in 2025, with additional hulls set to follow throughout the next decade.
In addition, France is in negotiations for the future aircraft carrier’s price, with estimates hovering around €10 billion. The armaments directorate anticipates placing an order for the next-generation carrier by late 2025. The current carrier, Charles de Gaulle, is slated for a major overhaul in 2027-2028, with plans to inspect its nuclear-propulsion system and assess the possibility of extending its operational life beyond 2038 if deemed necessary.
As developments unfold, Europe’s defense landscape appears poised for significant advancements, contingent upon effective collaboration and timely execution of these complex programs.
