Reference News Website, July 17 report: According to the website of Spain's "El Economista", France, Germany and Spain are the main participants in the European sixth-generation fighter project worth more than 100 billion euros (approximately 832.1 billion yuan - this site note). However, French President Macron and German Chancellor Merkel have been caught in a dispute between companies over the construction of Europe's "Future Combat Air System (FCAS)", while Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez has remained on the sidelines.

The report said that due to French companies led by Dassault Aviation demanding greater control, the development plan for the sixth-generation European fighter is on the verge of collapse. Germany is angry at France's attitude of ignoring cross-European cooperation.

In the "Future Combat Air System", continuous mutual accusations between Dassault Aircraft Manufacturing Company of France and Airbus Germany Branch regarding the future direction of the program have never ceased.

Previously, Dassault claimed it could independently develop fighter aircraft without cooperation with Germany and Spain. Since then, tensions have continued to escalate. Until a week ago, sources revealed that this French company hopes to take control of "80% of the project".

The report also said that the hostile attitude shown by the French side has reached the limit for Airbus Germany Branch. The German Airbus Defence and Space Company stated that new partners should be sought.

This situation has led German Chancellor Merkel to publicly admit differences with France. At a press conference with NATO Secretary General, Merkel said that she is "in dialogue" with Paris to "resolve this issue in the coming months". The German chancellor emphasized that her intention is to continue to advance the project according to the current plan, "I hope we can abide by the agreements reached with France and Spain on the 'Future Combat Air System'".

The report mentioned that since the launch of the "Future Combat Air System" plan, the development of the sixth-generation fighter aircraft in Europe has always been controversial from within and outside the EU. The refusal of the UK and Italy to join this plan has also intensified the conflict between France and Germany.

The UK chose to cooperate with Italy to design its own "Storm" fighter under the framework of the "Global Combat Air Programme". Currently, the UK BAE Systems, European Missile Group, UK Rolls-Royce, Italian Leonardo and Japanese Aircraft Industry Promotion Co., Ltd. are all involved in it. (Translated by Wang Meng)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7527947414931309096/

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