Germany’s powerful IG Metall union has escalated tensions in the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, warning that it will cease cooperation if French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation remains involved. The announcement comes ahead of critical ministerial talks scheduled for Thursday, aimed at resolving a growing deadlock in the €100 billion ($116 billion) fighter jet programme.

Union Accuses Dassault of Selfishness

In a letter dated December 8 to German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, IG Metall deputy chief Juergen Kerner stated that while the union supports European cooperation and the Franco-German partnership, Dassault is undermining both.

“We are happy to collaborate with French businesses but not with Dassault,” Kerner wrote.
“Dassault has completely disqualified itself as a reliable partner within Europe in times of acute threat. A line has been crossed. We no longer trust Dassault.”

IG Metall, with over two million members and significant influence via board representation, has positioned itself as a key stakeholder in the FCAS programme. Kerner accused Dassault of insisting on sole leadership and prioritizing corporate interests over the European defence alliance.

Background: The Future Combat Air System

The FCAS project, also known as SCAF in France, is a multinational effort launched over eight years ago to develop a next-generation fighter jet. The programme involves Germany, France, and Spain, with Airbus and Dassault as key industrial partners. It has faced repeated delays due to disputes over:

• Workshare allocation between countries
• Technology rights and intellectual property
• Leadership and management of programme phases

Despite these challenges, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed optimism, stating that while cooperation details are not finalized, he believes the programme will proceed.

Government Talks and High-Level Engagement

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is scheduled to meet French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin in Berlin on Thursday to discuss the project. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron plan high-level talks during the week of December 15. A final decision on the FCAS project’s structure and leadership is expected by year-end.

The discussions are taking place ahead of European Union leaders’ meetings in Brussels from December 17-19, where broader defence and industrial cooperation issues may also be addressed.

Dassault and Airbus Perspectives

Dassault has declined to comment on the union’s letter. In July, CEO Eric Trappier emphasized the need for clearer leadership as the programme moves toward its second phase, which includes developing a flying demonstrator. Airbus, in contrast, remains supportive of the project, reflecting optimism that a compromise on modes of cooperation can be achieved.

Implications for European Defence

If IG Metall follows through on its threat, the FCAS programme could face:

• Significant delays in Germany’s industrial participation
• Strained Franco-German defence relations
• Challenges in achieving technological integration and industrial workshare targets

The union’s warning underscores the importance of balancing corporate influence, national interests, and European defence objectives in large-scale aerospace projects.