This stance comes amid growing uncertainties surrounding the rival Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a Franco-German-Spanish project plagued by industrial disputes and delays.
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The potential inclusion of Germany in GCAP highlights shifting dynamics in European defence aviation. Persistent tensions in FCAS, centred on workshare disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, have raised questions about its viability, prompting speculation that Berlin may seek alternatives to secure its next-generation fighter jet requirements. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto recently noted that conditions are being established for new countries to join GCAP, explicitly mentioning Germany as a prospective partner alongside others like Australia. This openness aligns with GCAP’s equal partnership model, which has already fostered rapid progress, including the establishment of a joint venture headquarters in the UK and plans for a demonstrator flight by 2027. Incorporating Germany could enhance the programme’s industrial base, potentially accelerating development of the Tempest-derived aircraft and broadening its export potential.
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Putin’s plan to divide and conquer Europe isn’t going very well
The context here is very important. Germany buying in into GCAP is because the French/German/Spanish cooperation for building the FCAS fighter is failing these days, because Dassault and Airbus can’t get their shit together. It does not have to do anything with Russia here though.
The reality that we can no longer rely on the US is the driver though. I think it’s best to have multiple supplier options now. Why go from being beholden to the Americans to being beholden to the French?
And I’m pretty sure Russia was not expecting NATO to suddenly have the capability replaced in Europe with the likes of SAAB