By end of 2025, the fate of the joint sixth-generation FCAS fighter project still formally led by France, Germany, and Spain was supposed to be decided. But as of now, the decision to terminate it or continue and if so, on what terms hasn't been made.
Meanwhile, formally the ball after announcing France's position and threats ended up on Germany's half of the field.Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the final FCAS decision should be made by end of 2025, requiring a leaders' meeting. But despite preparation at defense ministry level, this didn't happen.
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On the last day of 2025, the German government announced to media, as Welt wrote, that in the сomprehensive Franco-German foreign and security policy agenda, time to resolve the FCAS issue wasn't found.
Defense Express notes that such absolute unhurriedness from Berlin may be connected to Germany having thoroughly worked out Plan B. Namely, finding another partner for implementing the new fighter creation program Sweden.
Because ultimately, demands resembling French tantrums for 80% of the entire projectand grating statements that France alone knows how to make fighters could finally tire Berlin. Especially since the German government received carte blanche from unions to terminate FCAS participation.
Negotiations between Airbus Defense and Swedish Saab were already discussed in October. In mid-December, Swedish defense giant CEO Micael Johansson in an FAZ interview confirmed not only the fact of negotiations but also that Saab is ready for cooperation with Airbus Defence in creating a joint fighter.
But also outlined his requirements formulating clear political commitments from parties and preserving Sweden's right to independently design and produce aircraft. And remember, Saab is already conducting government-funded development of the so-called F-series next-generation fighter with mandatory loyal wingman drones kit.
So overall, the impression emerges that Germans have already received potential agreement from Swedes on a joint project. Therefore Friedrich Merz may now be more interested in conducting thematic meetings not with Emmanuel Macron but with his Swedish colleague Ulf Kristersson. Which of course should be preceded by significant preparatory work at lower levels.
And coordinating all details of the backup option perfectly explains why Germany may not rush to put a final period on the FCAS project.
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