France and Germany have agreed to scrap the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a landmark project to develop a new-generation fighter jet. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron concluded that the companies involved were unable to reach an agreement, ending one of Europe's most ambitious defense programs.
The decision to halt the €100 billion ($115 billion) project follows persistent cross-border disagreements and multiple delays since its initiation nearly a decade ago. The move comes after the companies involved in the project fought over who should take the lead.
Abandoning the project is considered a blow to efforts by European countries to cooperate more closely on defense and present a united front as they contend with a hostile Russia and souring ties with the United States.
Despite the cancellation of the fighter jet, both leaders agreed that the countries involved in the project will continue to develop a related drone system and data network.