France, Germany, and Spain to Restart FCAS Talks in November 2025

Ministerial Meeting Set for Week of November 24 as Nations Push Forward on Next-Generation Fighter Jet Collaboration

France, Germany, and Spain are preparing to re-engage in high-level discussions regarding the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), with a ministerial-level meeting scheduled for the week of November 24, 2025. The meeting marks a renewed effort to resolve persistent challenges in the joint project aimed at developing a next-generation fighter jet to replace existing platforms by 2040.

The FCAS, launched in 2017 as a flagship initiative for European defense cooperation, has faced repeated setbacks, including disputes over intellectual property, work distribution, and project leadership. The upcoming ministerial meeting is intended to provide a decisive push toward clarity and consensus among the three nations and their respective defense industries.

Industry Pressure Mounts as Political Timelines Tighten

Behind the political summit, German and French officials have been actively pressuring industrial leaders to reach an agreement before mid-December. According to sources familiar with the matter, the CEOs of key companies involved in FCAS—including Dassault, Airbus, and Indra—are expected to finalize a deal by December 18. This timeline reflects the urgency from both the French and German political leadership, with Chancellor and President set to make a final decision on the project’s future by year-end.

The pressure comes as industry stakeholders grow increasingly frustrated with the lack of political clarity. One industry source noted that the political process has repeatedly delayed decision-making, shifting responsibilities among ministries and procurement agencies. The source added that the political landscape in France has become more unstable, increasing the burden on private firms to find a compromise where political consensus has faltered.

Key Uncertainties Remain Over Project Scope and Leadership

While the ministerial meeting aims to set a clearer direction for the project, unresolved tensions persist, particularly between German and French industrial partners. Berlin has reportedly criticized Dassault for blocking progress by seeking sole leadership of the project. This has led to discussions around alternatives, including a scaled-down version of the initiative or, in the most extreme case, a full withdrawal from the joint development.

Among the elements under consideration for elimination are the development of a shared fighter jet platform. The final outcome of the negotiations will determine not only the future of FCAS but also the strategic direction of European defense industrial cooperation.