Boris Pistorius on the future of the FCAS project. Germany and France are still negotiating
“We must finally decide what will happen with FCAS,” Pistorius said, adding that even if the project is halted, it would not mean the end of defense cooperation between Germany and France.
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The minister emphasized that relations between these countries will remain solid, regardless of the fate of the program.
Dispute over leadership in the FCAS project
The FCAS project, worth EUR 100 billion, has been the subject of tensions between France's Dassault Aviation SA and Germany's Airbus SE for months.
The French, citing their experience in building fighters such as Rafale, demand greater influence on the implementation of the project. Airbus, in turn, is in favor of an equal division of work, as previously agreed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced imminent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, which may bring a breakthrough in this matter.
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One scenario being considered is for both countries to scale back the project or even develop separate aircraft while focusing on a common operating system..
Independence from China and the USA – a priority for German defense
Pistorius announced that Germany, using increased defense spending, will strive to reduce dependence on China in terms of key raw materials, as well as on the US in the area of space technologies.
“Making the defense sector independent of Chinese minerals is one of our main challenges,” the minister emphasized.
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To this end, Berlin cooperates with NATO allies and other countries to ensure access to raw materials. However, as Pistorius pointed out, this operation will be expensive.
“We are talking about many, many billions“- he added.
