Europe's most ambitious fighter jet project is back on track after the European government and its partner countries reached an agreement.
(Photo : Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A US air force F-16 jet takes off from the military airport of Andravida, southern Greece, on April 19, 2021. - Led by the Hellenic Air Force, "INIOCHOS 2021" multinational aviation exercise is underway over the entirety of Greece's FIR. (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS / AFP)
This means that the FCAS program will now prepare for its next stage, which is to build the first demonstrator version (prototype).
FCAS (Future Combat Air System) was first announced by France and Germany as their joint weapons project.
Spain later their fighter jet program. FCAS was specifically created to design and manufacture fighter aircraft with advanced comms systems, as well as drone features.
Europe's Most Ambitious Fighter Jet Project Back on Track
According to CGTN's latest report, French President Emmanuel Macron said the latest agreement is a big deal.
(Photo : Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Russian MiG-29SMT jet fighters forming the symbol "Z" in support of Russian military action in Ukraine, fly over central Moscow during the general rehearsal of the Victory Day military parade on May 7, 2022. - Russia will celebrate the 77th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany on May 9.
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"The political agreement on the FCAS is a big step forward and-especially in the current international context-an important signal of the excellent cooperation between France, Germany, and Spain," said the French leader via Reuters.
He added that this could further strengthen the military capabilities of Europe.
Of course, France, Germany, and Spain need to allot billions of dollars if they want FCAS to continue.
In August 2021, the three European countries already put a combined $4 billion to complete the project's first stage.
Now, analysts claim that FCAS could reach around $80 billion in its next phases.
Importance of FCAS
Since FCAS is about creating fighter jets with advanced drone functionalities, the project could lead to new autonomous defense aircraft models.
If FCAS fighter jets become successful, they could even replace the existing European air force jets, such as Germany's Tornado, France's Rafale, and Eurofighter.
As of writing, it is still unclear if the development of the FCAS prototype has already started or when it will be completed.
You can click this link to see further details about the ongoing FCAS.
In other news, Australia's submarine fleet, powered by U.S. nuclear tech, will soon arrive.
Previously, the Royal Navy participated in the largest military drills in the Pacific.
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Written by Griffin Davis
