Failed joint jet project highlights Europe's defense dilemma
Key takeaways
- The collapse of a Franco-German fighter jet project and a faltering joint battle tank program show how national industrial interests can outweigh common defense objectives.
- This week, the industry is once again showcasing its latest advances at the sprawling exhibition grounds in Villepinte, near Paris.
- European governments want to reduce their defense dependency on the United States and are investing hundreds of billions of euros to advance that goal.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
The collapse of a Franco-German fighter jet project and a faltering joint battle tank program show how national industrial interests can outweigh common defense objectives.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FUD6A mock-up of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), on show when hopes were still high for the joint venture Image: VDWI Aviation/Visually/picture alliance Advertisement Anyone who wants to be taken seriously in the European defense industry shows up to Eurosatory, France’s largest defense trade show, held every two years. This week, the industry is once again showcasing its latest advances at the sprawling exhibition grounds in Villepinte, near Paris. More than 2,000 exhibitors mingle with military officials, politicians, and industry professionals.
With order books full, the mood should be upbeat. European governments want to reduce their defense dependency on the United States and are investing hundreds of billions of euros to advance that goal.