Just before the start of the Munich Security Conference, SPD budget and defence expert Andreas Schwarz raised the pressure for a decision in the dispute over the German‑French fighter‑jet project FCAS.
Referring to French President Emmanuel Macron, Schwarz told the “Rheinische Post” (Wednesday edition): “Macron will have to prove his resolve against the French aircraft manufacturer Dassault. It is of little use if the political leaders in Paris and Berlin reach an agreement, but the French industry refuses to honour the contractual commitments”.
Macron has recently denied that the project has failed, yet the possibility remains a concern. Schwarz explained that the project was conceived “on equal footing” and that the German parliament also expects an implementation at eye level. “Germany wants a partnership not just in costs but also in know‑how and the construction of the aircraft” he added. “Unfortunately, the signals coming from the French industry are not reflective of that”.
Finally, Schwarz warned that given the project’s significance, a decision must be made promptly. “There are alternative partners in Europe, and Dassault and Macron should be aware of that” he said.