Berlin is said to be analysing alternatives, including participation in other sixth-generation fighter projects led by the United Kingdom with Italy and Japan. The situation around FCAS is increasingly compared to the MAWS maritime patrol aircraft programme, which was formally dissolved after Germany ordered eight Boeing P-8A Poseidons through the FMS process while France pursued the Airbus A321MPA independently.
Observers also note similarities with the 1980s, when disagreements in Europe resulted in the creation of the French Dassault Rafale and the multinational Eurofighter programme. At present, in addition to France and Germany, Spain and Belgium are also partners in the FCAS project, though Spain has officially expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the programme.
FCAS is intended to begin replacing the German Luftwaffe’s Eurofighter combat aircraft in the middle of this century. It would complement the fleet of 35 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II jets that Germany has already ordered from the United States.
Given the rising challenges, it is not excluded that Berlin may also decide to increase its fleet of American-made aircraft.
