Michael Schöllhorn, an executive at the defense conglomerate Airbus Defence and Space, stated that if a consensus cannot be reached with France regarding the European FCAS (Future Combat Air System) project, Germany should develop its own fighter jet. Although he expressed confidence that FCAS is not doomed to fail, Schöllhorn cautioned that the system is far more complex than just the fighter jet itself. He explained that the project comprises seven interlocking components, including unmanned aerial vehicles and the “Combat Cloud” a sophisticated software layer that digitally links all parts of the combat system. According to Schöllhorn, “Currently, the collaboration cannot operate if even one pillar is missing” suggesting that exploring alternatives beyond a joint aircraft is necessary.
The manager reiterated the need for a sixth-generation manned aircraft integrated into the FCAS framework. Should cooperation with Dassault prove impossible, however, he insisted that the development must proceed through some other European partnership.
Disagreements over the future of FCAS have plagued relations between Germany and France for months. The French aerospace group, Dassault, has sought to assume a leading role in developing the fighter jet, a role that Airbus feels Dassault is improperly exploiting. Furthermore, there are noticeable differences in requirements between the German and French armed forces concerning the specific capabilities the eventual aircraft must possess.
Schöllhorn also voiced concern over the rising tide of nationalism within defense policy. The Airbus executive pointed out the strong focus on exclusively national champions, emphasizing that the ultimate goal must remain European sovereignty. He worried that “there are trends towards national fragmentation that cause me concern”. While acknowledging the practical realities-such as national defense budgets, time pressure, and politicians needing to justify where funding returns to their own countries-he stressed that this increasing pressure toward national limitation is “not healthy”.