Search Results
6/24/2025, 9:45:42 PM
>The approach is understandable from a French perspective, but not in Germany's interest. Airbus Defence and Space would be permanently relegated to the second tier, with a corresponding impact on its technical expertise, industrial participation and jobs. The future viability of the company, in which the majority of the German military aviation industry is bundled, would be at stake.
>In any case, the underlying industrial structure of FCAS is questionable from a regulatory perspective. For example, the German FCAS prime Airbus Defense and Space (ADS) is part of the Airbus Group, in which the French and German states hold equally small stakes of just under 11 percent each - Spain holds around 4 percent - but which is headquartered in Toulouse and is ultimately French-dominated. This was demonstrated not least by the recent decision to cut a disproportionately high number of German jobs in ADS's weakening satellite division. In contrast, the purely French company Dassault represents its country's interests at FCAS.
>As the decisive phase 2 of the FCAS project is approaching, in which real flying demonstrators are to be developed following the studies of the past few years, now is a good time to bring the project to an end amicably and by mutual agreement. Otherwise, the course would be set in a way that can hardly be reversed.
>>What are the alternatives? While France, under the leadership of Dassault, could further advance its air combat capabilities, Germany has the opportunity for the first time in decades to push ahead with its own fighter aircraft development due to the sharp increase in defense funding. In doing so, the requirements of its own armed forces could also be better taken into account and no compromises would have to be made with regard to carrier capability and other requirements.
>In any case, the underlying industrial structure of FCAS is questionable from a regulatory perspective. For example, the German FCAS prime Airbus Defense and Space (ADS) is part of the Airbus Group, in which the French and German states hold equally small stakes of just under 11 percent each - Spain holds around 4 percent - but which is headquartered in Toulouse and is ultimately French-dominated. This was demonstrated not least by the recent decision to cut a disproportionately high number of German jobs in ADS's weakening satellite division. In contrast, the purely French company Dassault represents its country's interests at FCAS.
>As the decisive phase 2 of the FCAS project is approaching, in which real flying demonstrators are to be developed following the studies of the past few years, now is a good time to bring the project to an end amicably and by mutual agreement. Otherwise, the course would be set in a way that can hardly be reversed.
>>What are the alternatives? While France, under the leadership of Dassault, could further advance its air combat capabilities, Germany has the opportunity for the first time in decades to push ahead with its own fighter aircraft development due to the sharp increase in defense funding. In doing so, the requirements of its own armed forces could also be better taken into account and no compromises would have to be made with regard to carrier capability and other requirements.
Page 1