Germany's defense leaders are reassessing their options for a next-generation fighter jet following the demise of the Future Combat Air System. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three possible paths, including purchasing additional F-35 jets from the US.
The F-35 option could serve as a bridge solution, with plans to buy 15 more warplanes already in the works. Alternatively, Germany could join an existing international fighter program, such as the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme.
A third option would involve Germany launching its own program, potentially with Airbus and other partners. Pistorius cited unresolvable differences with French industry champion Dassault over intellectual property and military requirements as the reason for the FCAS program's collapse.
