France considers exit from FCAS amid partner tensions
France signals the possibility of withdrawing from the 6th generation fighter programme, criticising partners from Germany and Spain, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express.
France has expressed concern about cooperation within the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, which it is developing alongside Germany and Spain. During a hearing in the French parliament, Dassault Aviation's CEO, Éric Trappier, suggested the possibility of withdrawing from the project.
Issues with the division of responsibilities
Trappier emphasised that decisions in the FCAS project are made democratically, which hinders rapid progress. France fears that the addition of Belgium to the project will further complicate the division of responsibilities and reduce the involvement of French companies.
Another issue is the lack of experience of some partners in key areas. Airbus, responsible for creating the drone-fighter, lacks experience in this field, unlike Dassault, which has previously worked on a similar project.
Political aspects of cooperation
Trappier noted that the FCAS project also has a political dimension. France wants the fighter to be able to carry French nuclear weapons, which may be problematic for Germany and Spain.
When asked about the possibility of independent production of the fighter, Trappier replied that France has the necessary competencies, which it currently shares with partners.
Chinese 6th generation fighter
Let's recall that recently much has been happening in China regarding the 6th generation fighter. It is in the Middle Kingdom that a machine is being developed to meet the requirements set for such constructions. Moreover, such an aircraft has already been created and is flying. This refers to the J-36 fighter, created by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which first took to the air in December 2024.
Since then, it has become a subject of interest and numerous speculations among military experts. Although the Chinese authorities have not officially confirmed its existence, footage from a motorway provides the closest insight yet into this mysterious project.
According to estimates, the J-36 is approximately 22 metres long, and its wings span nearly 20 metres. This aircraft is equipped with three engines, which is rare in modern fighters. Thanks to this design, the J-36 is likely capable of reaching supersonic speeds without the need for afterburners.
