Germany questions its role in FCAS due to conflicting military needs, possibly turning to Sweden’s Saab.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned Germany’s continued involvement in the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS), citing fundamental differences in military needs—particularly France’s requirement for a nuclear-capable, carrier-operable aircraft that Germany does not need. Speaking on the podcast Machtwechsel, Merz raised doubts about whether one aircraft can meet all three nations’ demands, suggesting Germany may seek alternative partners like Sweden’s Saab if disagreements over design and control persist. The project, launched in 2017 with a planned 2040 service entry, has stalled due to disputes between Dassault Aviation and Airbus. While France reaffirmed its commitment, emphasizing European defense unity, German industry leaders and unions have supported exploring new collaborations. The future of FCAS remains uncertain, with potential implications for European defense integration amid ongoing security challenges.