Germany Looking at How to Cut France Out of Fighter Jet Plan

Germany is exploring options to push ahead with the development of its next-generation fighter jet without France should industry partner Dassault Aviation SA continue to insist on a controlling role in the program.

Officials from the German defense ministry and lawmakers of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right coalition are in talks with representatives of the aviation industry to discuss ways to proceed with the so-called Future Combat Air System without France’s Dassault, people familiar with the matter said.