German-French defense collaborations receive a boost as Pistorius and Lecornu voice optimism - Franco-German arms collaborations receive backing from Pistorius and Lecornu
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a significant European defense project aimed at developing next-generation air combat capabilities. Recent developments highlight both progress and challenges within the program.
Recent Developments
Belgium has confirmed its intention to become a full partner in the FCAS program by investing €300 million for the next development phase (2026–2030). This move marks a shift from observer status, reflecting Belgium's commitment to the project [1].
The program faces industrial tensions between France and Germany, as French demands for leadership and a significant work share have raised concerns among other partners. This includes tensions between Airbus and Dassault, with the latter asserting the need for French dominance for technological superiority [3][4].
The project's timeline is under scrutiny, with the original goal of being fully operational by 2040. However, Dassault CEO Éric Trappier has suggested that delays might push the operational date to 2045 [2]. Despite these challenges, French and German defense ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to the project [2].
Confidence in Collaboration
Defense ministers Boris Pistorius (Germany) and Sébastien Lecornu (France) have expressed confidence in their collaboration on FCAS. They emphasize the importance of meeting the armed forces' needs and sticking to the project's timeline to ensure Europe's defense readiness [2]. Minister Lecornu highlighted that the project's success depends on meeting military requirements rather than solely focusing on industrial operations [2].
The Elsa Arms Project
Boris Pistorius, a member of the SPD party, is also involved in the Elsa project, an arms project focused on developing long-range weapons. Pistorius was invited by Lecornu to the upcoming meeting of the German-French Defense and Security Council in Toulon, France, in late August [5]. Lecornu expressed the need for German-French collaboration in high-intensity wars, emphasizing the importance of both industries working together [5].
The FCAS combat aircraft system's capability development is crucial for the security and defense capabilities of both countries for the next ten to fifteen years [6]. Pistorius considers the scrutiny of the FCAS project at each phase as "nothing unusual" and believes that any hurdles in the FCAS project are manageable [6]. Despite current tensions, both nations are working to clarify project details and resolve disputes by the end of the year [2].
[1] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/01/belgium-confirms-300m-investment-in-fcas-project/ [2] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/08/15/france-germany-reaffirm-commitment-to-fcas-project-amid-tensions/ [3] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/05/25/france-airbus-clash-over-fcas-project-leadership/ [4] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/05/31/dassault-ceo-says-fcas-delays-may-push-operational-date-to-2045/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-germany-to-discuss-future-combat-aircraft-system-in-august-2022-07-26/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-defense-minister-says-fcas-project-scrutiny-nothing-unusual-2022-07-25/
The Commission, with its expertise in various sectors such as industry, finance, and business, could offer valuable insights and suggestions on addressing the industrial tensions within the FCAS project, potentially enhancing collaboration and ensuring a successful outcome for the program [Industry, Finance, Business].
As the FCAS progresses, it is important for the participating countries to also consider seeking consultations on important matters like worker safety, such as the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, to ensure the welfare of those involved in the development of next-generation air combat capabilities [The Commission, Carcinogens]
