Macron and Merz discuss fighter jets - Berlin and Paris seek cooperation for European security
The leaders of France and Germany will discuss the fighter jet program. Plans to develop a futuristic air combat system together with Spain have been put on hold due to a public dispute over control between France's Dassault Aviation and Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain in the 100 billion euro project.
French President Emmanuel Macron's office confirmed that he and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz would meet Wednesday evening ahead of the March 19-20 summit. A German government source also said that the air combat system was among the topics discussed.
Macron launched the project together with then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2017, with Spain joining later.
German Foreign Minister Wadephul said he was optimistic that Berlin and Paris would continue to work together on all important European topics, including security. The German aerospace industry association called for "a German-led fighter jet as part of a restructuring of the air combat system."
Current plans call for a digitally connected fleet of manned fighter jets and combat drones. The manufacturers have been at odds over the next phase, which includes a flying demonstrator. The French company
Dassault is pushing for clearer control of the core part of the project related to fighter jets, including the choice of suppliers, while giving Airbus the same latitude in the parts where it is already nominally in charge. Airbus has said that existing agreements requiring parity between partners should be maintained.
Speaking during a visit to New Delhi last month, Macron dismissed the possibility that industrial disputes could cloud government decisions on strategic weapons development. The deal on the project is likely to trigger a realignment of alliances in Europe's fragmented defense industry.
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