Europe’s next fighter jet problem has no easy answer
The collapse of the €100 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program has left European nations struggling to define their future air defense strategy. Countries are now weighing the options of developing national programs, purchasing U.S.-made F-35s, or seeking new international partnerships.
Why it matters
The failure of this major defense project highlights deep-seated industrial and political divisions within the EU, potentially weakening European strategic autonomy.
FCAS was killed by industrial infighting, and now Berlin, Paris and Madrid must choose between national programs, U.S. aircraft and fragile new partnerships.
The reporting focuses on the industrial and political challenges of the program without favoring a specific national agenda.
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