France and Germany seek defence reset after jet project collapse

France and Germany are attempting to reset their defence relationship after the implosion of a major industrial programme. At a joint cabinet meeting near Cologne, leaders from both nations addressed the collapse of the Future Combat Air System, a fighter jet project that fell apart following disputes between Airbus and France's Dassault.

The failure of the jet programme has raised immediate concerns about the future of the Main Ground Combat System, a joint venture to develop next-generation battle tanks. The project has faced internal friction since Germany's Rheinmetall joined the effort. A joint statement following the meeting stopped short of a full industrial commitment, saying only that the two countries would "investigate an approach" to bring the tank project to a "proof-of-concept state."

The drive to salvage these industrial partnerships comes amid growing urgency over European security and waning US commitment. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that German troops will participate in a French-led nuclear military exercise this year. "This is complementary to our nuclear participation and deterrence within NATO, which we still hold to," Merz said. France will retain tight control over nuclear decision-making.

Beyond nuclear deterrence, the two governments agreed to cooperate on long-range missiles, air defence, satellite internet and early warning capabilities. Germany will also join a French-initiated autumn military manoeuvre as part of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of Ukraine's allies preparing a post-war multinational force.

Underpinning these long-term capital projects is profound political uncertainty on both sides of the Rhine. The far-right Alternative for Germany leads national polls, while France faces a 2027 presidential election where Marine Le Pen is a frontrunner. Merz sought to reassure markets and allies, stating Germany would "extend a hand" to whoever wins in France. "That applies regardless of what voters in our two countries decide," he said. Macron urged caution, saying: "Beware of the polls."