This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and additional context from Breaking Defense and Table.Media.

FCAS Talks Stall in Berlin: “Two-Fighter” Plan Emerges as Leaders Step In

The vision of a single, unified European fighter jet faces its most significant hurdle yet. A critical meeting held in Berlin on December 12, 2025, between the defense ministers of France, Germany, and Spain concluded without an agreement on the next phase of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). According to reporting by Reuters, the deadlock over industrial leadership has forced the negotiations to be escalated to the highest political level.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are now expected to seek a resolution during their upcoming meeting, scheduled for December 17–19. The inability to sign a contract for “Phase 2”, the demonstrator phase, has paralyzed the program, raising fears that the project could fracture or face indefinite delays.

While official statements from the ministries attempted to project continued cooperation, sources indicate that a radical “Plan B” is gaining traction within German industry circles: a proposal to split the airframe development while sharing underlying systems.

The Berlin Stalemate

The trilateral meeting in Berlin was attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles. The primary objective was to finalize the contract for Phase 2, which covers the construction and flight testing of a prototype aircraft. The original timeline aimed for a first flight by 2027 or 2028, but delays have likely pushed this target to 2029 or 2030.

According to Reuters, the talks failed to produce a signed deal. While the German Ministry of Defense described the discussions as “confidential,” a French spokesperson noted that the meeting allowed the nations to “reaffirm our willingness to continue joint work.” However, industry analysts view this language as a diplomatic placeholder masking deep friction between the industrial partners.

Industrial Rift: Dassault vs. Airbus

At the heart of the impasse is a power struggle between the program’s two industrial giants: France’s Dassault Aviation and Germany’s Airbus Defence and Space. The dispute centers on the division of labor and intellectual property rights for the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), the core manned Military-Aircraft of the FCAS system.

Dassault has consistently demanded “clear leadership” of the NGF component. CEO Éric Trappier has previously argued that Dassault’s experience with the Rafale fighter entitles it to be the undisputed architect, stating that cooperation should not equate to co-management. Conversely, Airbus, backed by the German government, demands an partnership on an “equal footing,” arguing that German taxpayer funds should not subsidize a project where French industry holds all critical design authority.

Union Ultimatum

Tensions have spilled over into the labor sector. According to reports regarding a statement from IG Metall, Germany’s powerful metalworkers’ union, there is a growing sentiment to block further cooperation if the current terms persist.

“We are happy to collaborate with French businesses but not with Dassault.”

, Statement attributed to IG Metall (via Table.Media reporting)

The union has cited a loss of trust, accusing the French firm of endangering German jobs and refusing to treat Airbus as a peer.

A Radical “Plan B”: The Two-Fighter Solution

In the wake of the failed talks, a new proposal has emerged from the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI). As reported by Table.Media, this concept suggests a restructuring of the program to prevent total collapse.

Under this “Two-Fighter” proposal:

• Separate Airframes: France and Germany would each build their own separate fighter jets to support their respective domestic industries (Dassault and the Eurofighter consortium).
• Shared Systems: The nations would continue to collaborate on the “Systems of Systems” elements, specifically the “Combat Cloud” (AI and networking) and “Remote Carriers” (loyal wingman Drones).

AirPro News Analysis

The emergence of a “Two-Fighter” proposal is a tacit admission that the political cost of a single airframe may be too high. While this approach would save the “European” nature of the combat cloud and drone systems, it would likely duplicate the most expensive part of the development: the physical aircraft. This mirrors the split in the 1980s that resulted in the separate development of the French Rafale and the pan-European Eurofighter Typhoon. If adopted, this plan would effectively end the dream of a standardized European air force inventory for the mid-21st century, though it might be the only way to keep Germany and France technically aligned on software and connectivity.

The GCAP Factor

Pressure is mounting on Paris and Berlin due to the rapid progress of the rival Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). A partnership between the UK, Italy, and Japan, GCAP has already signed a formal treaty and established a joint venture, targeting a 2035 entry into service.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has publicly stated that the door remains open for Germany to join GCAP. If FCAS collapses or fractures, Germany has a viable alternative partner in the Anglo-Italian-Japanese alliance. France, however, would face the prospect of funding a sixth-generation fighter entirely on its own, a massive financial burden that could strain its defense budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main reason for the delay?
The primary cause is a dispute over industrial leadership between Dassault (France) and Airbus (Germany). Dassault wants decision-making authority, while Airbus wants an equal partnership.

What happens next?
The decision has been escalated to French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who are expected to meet between December 17 and 19, 2025.

Is the program cancelled?
No. Phase 1B is concluding, but the contract for Phase 2 (the prototype phase) has not been signed. The program is currently in a state of uncertainty.

What is the “Two-Fighter” solution?
It is a proposal where France and Germany build different physical jets but share the same software, cloud network, and drone companions.

Sources: Reuters, Breaking Defense, Table.Media / BDLI, IG Metall.

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional background data regarding the agreement.

Greece Signs Critical Follow-On Support Contract for NH90 Helicopters Fleet

On December 12, 2025, the Greek Ministry of Defence officially signed a Follow-on Support (FOS) contract with NHIndustries (NHI), a consortium comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker. The agreement aims to revitalize the operational readiness of the Hellenic Army’s fleet of 20 NH90 helicopters.

According to the official announcement, this contract marks a decisive step in ensuring the sustainability of Greece’s tactical transport capabilities. While the official press release focused on the partnership’s renewal, industry reports indicate the deal is valued at approximately €50 million ($52.5 million) and will span a five-year period from 2025 to 2030.

Contract Scope and Objectives

The primary objective of the new agreement is to establish a robust support ecosystem for the Hellenic Army Aviation. For years, the fleet has faced logistical hurdles, and this contract is designed to accelerate the supply of spare parts and maintenance services. The deal covers the entirety of the Greek fleet, which includes 16 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTH) and four Special Operations (SOF) variants.

In a statement regarding the signing, NHIndustries leadership emphasized the necessity of this support structure to maintain fleet availability.

“This contract is a key milestone for the success of the NH90 in Greece. It provides the necessary foundation to ensure the fleet remains operational and ready for mission deployment.”

, Axel Aloccio, President of NHIndustries

The agreement comes just two months after the delivery of the 20th and final NH90 unit to Greece in October 2025, concluding a procurement timeline that began more than two decades ago.

Operational Context and Fleet History

The path to this support contract has been complex. Greece initially ordered the helicopters in August 2003, with the first delivery occurring in 2011. However, the program faced significant delays and availability issues over the years.

Addressing the “Cannibalization” Crisis

According to defense sector reporting surrounding the contract, the Hellenic Army has struggled with severe shortages of spare parts. Prior to this agreement, reports suggested that nearly half of the delivered fleet, approximately 9 out of 19 units at the time, had been grounded or “cannibalized” (stripped of parts) to keep other aircraft airworthy. The new FOS contract is explicitly aimed at reversing this trend, allowing the Ministry of Defence to restore grounded airframes to service.

Special Operations Capabilities

The fleet includes four specialized SOF units tailored for the Hellenic Army’s special forces. Unlike the standard transport variants, these helicopters are equipped with specific mission avionics, including:

• Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras for night operations.
• Weather radar and advanced obstacle warning systems.
• Configurations for deep infiltration and extraction missions.

AirPro News Analysis

Strategic Commitment Amidst Global Divergence

This agreement signals a strong strategic commitment from Athens to the NH90 platform, distinguishing Greece from other NATO operators. In recent years, nations such as Australia and Norway have moved to retire or cancel their NH90 fleets due to maintenance costs and availability concerns. By signing a €50 million support deal, Greece is effectively “doubling down” on the platform rather than abandoning it.

We assess that this decision is driven by two factors: the high “sunk cost” of the recently completed delivery schedule and the urgent operational requirements of the Hellenic Army. With tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean necessitating rapid troop mobility to island territories, Greece cannot afford the capability gap that would result from switching platforms now.

The support contract also aligns with Greece’s broader €25 billion defense modernization plan, known as “Achilles Shield,” which seeks to integrate air mobility with new naval and air defense assets by 2036.

Sources

• Airbus (Press Release)
• Defense Industry Reporting (Contract Value and Background)

This article is based on an official press release from Bombardier and official announcements by the Government of Canada.

Bombardier Selected to Supply Six Global 6500 Jets to Royal Canadian Air Force

The Government of Canada has officially awarded a contract to Bombardier for the acquisition of six Global 6500 aircraft. According to a press release issued by the manufacturer on December 12, 2025, these new jets will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) aging CC-144 Challenger fleet, providing a significant upgrade in range, speed, and mission versatility.

The procurement is part of the Airlift Capability Project, Multi-role Flight Service. Unlike the previous fleet, which primarily served regional transport roles, the new Global 6500s are designated as multi-role assets. They will be tasked with diverse missions ranging from aeromedical evacuation and disaster relief to diplomatic transport and secure government travel.

Contract Value and Delivery Timeline

According to figures released by the Government of Canada, the total project value is estimated at $753 million CAD. Of this total, approximately $400 million USD (roughly $547 million CAD) is allocated directly to Bombardier for the airframes and associated military modifications.

The timeline for the fleet renewal is aggressive. Bombardier expects to deliver the first aircraft by the summer of 2027. The RCAF targets Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the new fleet by the end of 2027. This procurement is among the first executed under Canada’s new Defence Investment Agency (DIA), which aims to streamline defence purchasing processes.

Enhanced Capabilities: Global 6500 vs. Challenger

The transition from the Challenger 601 and 650 models to the Global 6500 represents a major leap in operational capability for the RCAF. While the Challenger fleet has served Canada since 1983, the Global 6500 offers intercontinental range and endurance that the smaller jets cannot match.

Key performance upgrades include:

• Range: The Global 6500 boasts a range of approximately 6,600 nautical miles (12,223 km), compared to roughly 4,000 nm for the Challenger 650. This allows for non-stop flights from Ottawa to destinations in Asia, the Middle East, or deep into Africa without refueling.
• Endurance: The new aircraft can remain airborne for up to 18 hours, significantly increasing on-station time for coordination or direct flights to crisis zones.
• Speed: With a top speed of Mach 0.90, the Global 6500 ensures faster response times for critical medical evacuation missions.
• Engines: Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, the aircraft offers improved fuel efficiency and superior performance in “hot and high” conditions.

In an official statement, Bombardier President and CEO Éric Martel highlighted the significance of the selection for the Canadian aerospace industry:

“The Global 6500 aircraft is a world-class, made-in-Canada product with the versatility to perform multiple missions… the more than 12,000 Canadians who work at Bombardier can take great pride in knowing that this aircraft will now serve their country.”

Strategic Purpose and Domestic Production

The selection of the Global 6500 aligns with a “Made-in-Canada” strategy to support the domestic aerospace sector. The aircraft will be assembled at Bombardier’s facility at Toronto Pearson Airport, with interior completion work performed in Montreal. This arrangement secures high-value jobs in both Ontario and Quebec.

Beyond economic benefits, the aircraft will feature specific military-aircraft modifications to ensure interoperability and safety. These likely include secure communications suites and self-protection systems, allowing the aircraft to operate in higher-risk environments than standard civilian business jets.

AirPro News Analysis

The RCAF’s shift to the Global 6500 mirrors a broader global trend toward militarizing ultra-long-range business jets. The Global 6500 airframe has already been validated for military use by allied nations; notably, the U.S. Army recently selected the platform for its HADES (High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System) program.

By moving to a platform with 6,600 nm range, Canada effectively eliminates the logistical hurdles associated with the Challenger fleet, which often required multiple fuel stops to reach international trouble spots. This acquisition restores a degree of sovereign strategic reach, ensuring that Canadian officials and rapid response teams can deploy globally without relying on allied airlift or commercial routing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new aircraft enter service?
The first delivery is expected in the summer of 2027, with Initial Operational Capability targeted for the end of that year.

What happens to the old Challenger fleet?
The Global 6500s will replace the aging CC-144 Challenger fleet. While the RCAF acquired two newer Challenger 650s in 2020, the older Challenger 601 models faced obsolescence due to airframe age and evolving aviation regulations.

Will these aircraft be used solely for VIP transport?
No. While they will transport government officials, the “Multi-role Flight Service” designation emphasizes medical evacuation, disaster relief, and rapid deployment of specialized teams alongside diplomatic transport.

Sources

Bombardier, Government of Canada