Bundestag Defense Committee Demands Germany’s Withdrawal from the 6th Generation European Fighter Jet Project

A representative of the CDU/CSU faction in the Bundestag Defense Committee, responsible for the Air Force, said he sees no future for the European 6th-generation fighter project.

Volker Mayer-Lay noted that the trust between the governments and companies involved has been seriously undermined, so the termination of the FCAS project is the only practical solution to the existing problems, Hartpunkt reports.

According to him, a controlled exit from FCAS will not pose a security risk but will open the possibility of a genuine restart.

“The Franco-German friendship will survive this, but German industry will not withstand another delay,” the politician said.

Before Christmas, the government promised to make a decision on how this project, which is currently in crisis, will develop – or whether it will develop at all.

Further delay, Mayer-Lay emphasizes, threatens not only to cost millions but also to lose precious time that should be invested in developing a new prospective fighter jet.

According to him, the Future Combat Air System was considered the European defense project of the century – it was supposed to be a sixth-generation fighter.

The goal was to combine Europe’s industrial competencies, strengthen its technological sovereignty, and ensure equal participation on the international arena.

“Today, too little of this vision remains. Instead of a constructive partnership, we are witnessing power games, blockages, and national ambitions that are paralyzing the project,” the CDU politician emphasized.

He criticized Dassault CEO Éric Trappier, who has been demanding France’s leadership role in FCAS and recently threatened to withdraw from the project if Dassault does not get full control over decision-making.

“Those who behave in this way demand subordination. Those who push others out are not looking for partnership,” Mayer-Lay wrote.

Last week, the Federal Association of the German Aerospace Industry warned in a confidential document that the end of combat aircraft production in Germany could be imminent if France meets its demands under the FCAS.

New partners

According to the politician, German industry is not only capable but also ready to take responsibility for developing a sixth-generation fighter, free from constant obstacles from a partner.

“The rich industrial culture of Germany and the leading companies currently working on FCAS are able to directly transfer the knowledge gained to the new project.”

Mayer-Lay names the following companies as potential contributors of expertise: Airbus in the field of Combat Cloud and NGF, Diehl Aviation in avionics development, Diehl Defense in networked weapons systems, and Hensoldt in sensor technology.

“Thus, Germany is in a comfortable position to consistently defend its point of view against Dassault’s demands. We have a choice between dependence and a cooperative solution.”

Among the companies in a good starting position for cooperation, he also mentions Liebherr, which can offer extensive expertise in chassis and hydraulics, and especially the Swedish concern Saab.

“The first negotiations and memorandum of understanding between Airbus and Saab give grounds for optimism,” the expert notes.

He also considers the GCAP project of the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to be a real alternative.

The Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) is a joint program between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan aimed at developing a sixth-generation fighter jet that should enter service by 2035.

“Thus, Germany has an excellent chance to complete the development of the next generation fighter jet, to utilize the knowledge and technology gained, and at the same time to enter into new partnerships.”