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The UK is building a fighter jet with Japan and Italy – an aviation expert explains why it could be a defence gamechanger

The UK is building a next generation fighter jet in collaboration with Italy and Japan. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has taken on even greater significance since the collapse of a rival project called the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a collaboration between France, Germany and Spain.

The Conversation · Aug 3

As Germany cuts a deal on US missiles, Europe weighs up dependence on Washington

Germany is set to buy Tomahawk missiles to plug an urgent gap in its defence, in spite of a European Union drive to lessen dependence on American weapon systems. The deal comes after a Franco-German tank maker's stock market listing stalled and a flagship European fighter jet project collapsed. Can…

Radio France Internationale · Jul 12

Europe leaders reaffirm unity on defence ahead of Ankara NATO summit

European leaders met Wednesday in Berlin ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankarai to discuss European defence and security guarantees for Ukraine, following tensions with the United States and among the main European members.

France 24 · Jun 24

Airbus-led group proposes fighter jet alternative after French-German project fails

The FCAS programme had been viewed as a flagship European defence project, aimed at strengthening military cooperation as Europe faces a more assertive Russia.

Euronews · Jun 9

Why the Franco-German FCAS fighter jet project failed

Planned as Europe's biggest joint defence project, FCAS has been abandoned after French and German companies failed to resolve years of disputes, despite repeated political intervention.

Euronews · Jun 9

Blow to EU defence cooperation as France, Germany abandon joint fighter jet programme

France and Germany on Monday announced they were abandoning a joint fighter jet programme due to disagreements between France's Dassault Aviation and Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain. The decision came as a blow to European efforts to boost defence cooperation in the face of increasing Russian hostilities and souring…

France 24 · Jun 8

Germany's fighter jet dilemma: Faltering European dream and US reality

Germany is rearming with a renewed focus on buying European. But with the German-French-Spanish fighter jet project, FCAS, at a standstill, does Berlin have any real options beyond the American F-35?

Euronews · Feb 20

France and Germany agreed to build the fighter jet of the future. Now they can’t agree who is in charge

FCAS, which also involves Spain, is imploding at a high-stakes moment for Europe, as threat rises from Russia

The Guardian - UK · Feb 20

Franco-German defence project under strain as Berlin signals possible exit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has cast doubt on one of Europe’s most ambitious joint defence projects, suggesting Berlin could ultimately walk away from the Future Combat Air System programme over deepening differences with France.

Radio France Internationale · Feb 19

Is Europe's mega defence project FCAS in danger of failing over Germany-France disagreements?

The project launched in 2017 and with a price tag of at least €100 billion, aims to strengthen European defence and will include new fighter aircraft supported by interconnected drones.

Euronews · Nov 17, 2025