Tensions have escalated over governance issues, with Dassault criticizing the shared management structure and demanding a leadership role, while Airbus officials express skepticism about Dassault's participation.

While Dassault remains open to cooperation, it is confident in its ability to develop the jet independently, citing 70 years of proven expertise, and is pushing for greater control over the project.

Progress on the project has been hindered by disagreements over governance and leadership, with disputes centered on control of the core fighter segment and decision-making authority.

Negotiations continue without resolution, as France has yet to finalize its stance, and the division of control between Dassault and Airbus remains unresolved, creating uncertainty for European defense efforts.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has urged France to resolve the deadlock quickly to prevent further delays, emphasizing the urgency of completing the project.

Germany and Spain aim to resolve their differences by the end of 2025, with upcoming meetings in Berlin to discuss the future of the project amid rising competition from the UK, Italy, and Japan.

There is internal skepticism within Airbus about Dassault's continued involvement, with some officials suggesting the project could proceed without Dassault and citing alternative European partners.

The core dispute revolves around leadership and control of the FCAS, with Dassault advocating for a leadership role in the fighter development to ensure technological and strategic dominance.

Despite disagreements, both Dassault and Airbus remain committed to resolving their differences to ensure the project's success, which is vital for maintaining Europe's technological edge in military aviation.

The French defense company Dassault has indicated it could develop a sixth-generation European fighter jet independently, signaling a potential move to go solo amid ongoing disagreements with Germany over the joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

The FCAS project, launched in 2017 by France and Germany with Spain joining in 2019, aims to bolster Europe's strategic autonomy but has faced delays and internal conflicts, especially as Spain's influence within Airbus grows.

The development of the new jet is estimated to cost around 100 billion euros, with operational plans set for 2040, in light of geopolitical tensions and the need for European strategic autonomy.