France fears Germany’s unilateral moves after the failure of the joint fighter jet project.

The Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project for a sixth-generation fighter jet has officially failed, sparking concerns in Paris about the viability of other joint defense initiatives, such as the digital Combat Cloud. Dassault CEO Eric Trappier confirmed on Wednesday that the termination of the fighter jet project will have repercussions on all related FCAS programs.

French senators expressed alarm over Germany’s recent defense decisions, including awarding a contract to Helsing for developing digital systems, which some labeled a ‘provocation.’ Trappier revealed that France is pursuing a ‘Plan B’ to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035, potentially with new partners like Saab. Despite the setback, Dassault remains committed to advancing technologies such as aerodynamics and stealth capabilities.