FCAS sixth-gen fighter project falters amid Franco-German rift Belgian defence chief says

Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) sixth-generation fighter project has effectively become “a dream,” Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said, citing deep Franco-German disagreements that threaten the programme’s future.

Writing on X, Francken noted that recent comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggest the fighter programme is essentially nearing its end, Caliber.Az reports.

“There will be no sixth-generation fighter created by the French, Germans, and Spaniards,” Francken wrote, arguing that divisions between Germany and France are too deep.

Ongoing disputes between France and Germany have cast doubt on the viability of the €100-billion project aimed at developing a next-generation fighter supported by drones and artificial intelligence. Belgium, which previously expressed interest in participation, will now reassess its position.

The Belgian government had earlier planned to operate both US-made F-35 aircraft and future FCAS jets by 2040, a move criticised by Eric Trappier, head of leading contractor Dassault Aviation, who accused Belgium of “mocking” its partners. Francken responded that Brussels must reconsider its involvement and does not need lessons from “arrogant industrialists.”

France, Germany, and Spain had attempted to resolve FCAS disagreements by the end of 2025, but postponed a decision indefinitely due to persistent disputes. 

Francken stressed that he plans to present contingency measures to the parliamentary defence committee next week, adding: “Europe’s sixth-generation aircraft remains a dream. I hope it comes true. We are considering all options.”

Een Frans-Duits-Spaans gevechtsvliegtuig van de zesde generatie zal er niet komen. Het water is daarvoor te diep, zo blijkt al maanden en wordt nu bevestigd door Bondskanselier Merz.

België is observator in dit programma. We zullen onze positie herbepalen in overleg met onze…

— Theo Francken (@FranckenTheo) February 20, 2026

By Jeyhun Aghazada