Crisis in the FCAS program: Doubts and criticism of Germany for the purchase of F-35 aircraft

On the industrial level, Trappie emphasized Dassault’s position regarding the transport of the main component of the manned aircraft, known as the Next Generation Fighter (NGF). He claimed that the company’s experience as a prime contractor in programs such as the “Raphael” fighter jet justifies its transportation, while the rest of the components can be assigned to other companies.

According to Clash Report, the cost of the FCAS program is currently estimated at around 100 billion euros ($116 billion), and it includes the NGF, unmanned cargo aircraft and a battle cloud designed to connect sensors, fighters and decision-making mechanisms.

The report notes that disputes over division of labor and intellectual property, particularly between Dassault Systèmes and Airbus, which represents German industrial interests in several components, have delayed progress for years. Trappia again criticized Germany’s decision to purchase American F-35s for NATO’s nuclear sharing mission, seeing it as incompatible with the goal of European strategic autonomy.

French and industry representatives have repeatedly argued that such purchases weaken the motivation to fully commit to the FCAS, which was designed to replace France’s Rafale fleet and Germany’s and Spain’s Aerofighter Typhoon fleets by 2040. Defense ministers from France, Germany and Spain reportedly met in mid-December 2025 but failed to resolve the key disputes.

Some officials have privately described the full plan as “highly unlikely,” underscoring the depth of skepticism surrounding Europe’s most ambitious air combat project, according to Clash Report.