France has communicated to Germany its desire to claim an 80% stake in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a next-generation fighter jet program also including Spain, Reuters reported. The €100+ billion project is jointly led by European defense giants Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Indra. France’s demand for a dominant role has raised concerns among partner nations, potentially jeopardizing previously settled terms and risking delays to the development phase expected by year-end. Germany reaffirmed that all current agreements remain valid, deflecting any further comment to French authorities. Both Airbus and the French Defense Ministry declined to respond, though Airbus reiterated its support for the program and standing accords. Since its 2017 inception, FCAS has been troubled by disagreements over contributions and intellectual property rights among the stakeholders.

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