France is demanding 80% control over the FCAS project, causing tensions with Germany and jeopardizing the development of the fifth-generation fighter.

France has told Germany it wants to have about 80% control of the FCAS project to develop a fifth-generation fighter. The project, valued at more than 100 billion euros, is facing delays and conflicts over division of labor and intellectual property rights. France's request could undermine the current balance of responsibilities, creating further tensions between consortium partners, including Airbus and German companies. The project was initiated to symbolize European unity but has become a point of contention between Paris and Berlin.