France considers exit from fighter jet alliance with Germany
France signals the possibility of withdrawing from the 6th generation fighter program, criticizing partners from Germany and Spain, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express.
France has expressed concerns about the cooperation within the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, which it is running jointly with Germany and Spain. During a hearing in the French parliament, the CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, suggested the possibility of withdrawing from the project.
Problems with the division of responsibilities
Trappier highlighted that decisions within the FCAS project are made democratically, which he believes hinders rapid progress. France is concerned that the inclusion of Belgium in the project will further complicate the division of responsibilities and reduce the participation of French companies.
Another issue is the lack of experience of some partners in key areas. Airbus, tasked with developing the drone-fighter, lacks experience in this area, unlike Dassault, which has previously worked on similar projects.
Political aspects of cooperation
Trappier noted that the FCAS project also has a political dimension. France desires the fighter to be capable of carrying French nuclear weapons, which could be problematic for Germany and Spain.
When asked about the possibility of producing the fighter independently, Trappier replied that France possesses the necessary expertise, which it currently shares with partners.
Chinese 6th generation fighter
It should be noted that recently, several developments regarding the 6th generation fighter have been occurring in China. It is in China where a machine is being developed to meet the stringent requirements set for such constructions. Moreover, such an aircraft has already been created and is operational. This is the J-36 fighter, produced by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which first flew in December 2024.
Since then, it has attracted significant interest and numerous speculations among military experts. Although Chinese authorities have not officially confirmed its existence, footage from a highway offers the closest glimpse so far into this mysterious project.
According to estimates, the J-36 is about 72 feet long, with a wingspan of nearly 66 feet. This aircraft is equipped with three engines, a rare feature in modern fighters. Thanks to this design, the J-36 is likely capable of reaching supersonic speeds without the need for afterburners.
