Following the discontinuation of the joint Franco-German FCAS fighter jet project, Airbus is expressing a high degree of confidence in its own capabilities and urging quick political action regarding the future of fighter aircraft development. Thomas Pretzl, the Chief Operations Officer of Airbus Defence and Space, told the newspapers of the Mediengruppe Bayern that the company possesses the necessary expertise, the German Air Force has a need for such a jet, and Germany has the financial capacity to undertake it. He stated, “We should start as soon as possible. It would be even better if other nations were to participate.”
Pretzl cautioned against lengthy delays in discussing various potential options. He argued that “every day without a decision on how to proceed is a lost day for development,” emphasizing that Germany cannot afford to fall behind other countries working on similar projects.
In contrast, Reinhard Brandl, Managing Director for the CSU regional groups, stressed the vital importance of collaboration with European partners during the development process. Brandl asserted that while rapid progress in fighter construction is necessary, the best approach is certainly achieved jointly with European partners. He added that German companies could make a significant contribution toward this shared goal.
