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German, French leaders unable to resolve FCAS fighter jet dispute, sources say

By Reuters Reuters
Scale models of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS / SCAF), Europe's next-generation fighter jet, are seen in Paris, France, February 20, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau
Scale models of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS / SCAF), Europe's next-generation fighter jet, are seen in Paris, France, February 20, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau CHARLES PLATIAU Reuters

BERLIN - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have concluded that the companies involved in building a joint fighter jet are unable to reach an agreement, two German government officials told Reuters on Monday.

Both leaders agreed that the countries involved in the project known as Future Combat Air System, or FCAS, would continue to develop a related drone system and data network, the sources added.

Macron's office did not immediately return a request for comment.

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, additional reporting by Michel Rose, writing by Ludwig Burger, editing by Thomas Seythal)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet on the roof of a hotel hosting the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) as Munich's famous landmark Church of Our Lady Liebfrauenkirche is seen in the background, in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2026. Kay Nietfeld/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet on the roof of a hotel hosting the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) as Munich's famous landmark Church of Our Lady Liebfrauenkirche is seen in the background, in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2026. Kay Nietfeld/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Kay Nietfeld Reuters

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 7:47 AM.

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