FCAS deadlock exposes Europe’s defence design crisis
Failed mediation between France and Germany over FCAS highlights structural flaws in Europe’s defence model, raising risks of delay and fragmentation.
Dassault Aviation News
Air
Defence Politics
Analysis
Air
What KAAN Teaches Europe About Sovereign Air Power
As Europe struggles to advance Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Türkiye’s KAAN programme offers a timely case study in sovereign technology development.
Analysis
Air
Germany’s FCAS fault line reopens after Enders warning
Tom Enders’ criticism of Germany’s FCAS partnership exposes unresolved industrial tensions and raises fresh questions over the programme’s strategic direction.
Air
Germany’s Merz Reopens a Closed FCAS Debate with France
Chancellor Merz has reignited a dispute widely portrayed as resolved within FCAS, exposing unresolved tensions over industrial sovereignty and leadership.
Air
Indonesia Starts Receiving Rafale F4 Fighters from France
The Indonesian Air Force has started receiving its Rafale F4 multirole fighter jets from France, with the delivery of three aircraft out of 42 ordered.
Air
Regional / Strategy
Croatia’s Rafales assume NATO air policing duty 24/7
Croatia started protecting its own airspace on 1 Jan 2026 with Rafale fighters under NATO’s IAMD, completing its MiG-21 transition and training phase.
Air
Expo and Air Show
Germany weighs exit from FCAS over French dominance fears
Berlin is reportedly considering leaving the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter programme amid frustration over work-share and French industry’s lead role.
Air
Rafale F5 to Carry 18 Smart Cruiser Missiles for SEAD
Rafale F5 restores France’s long-lost SEAD role with 18 Smart Cruiser missiles, bridging a post-Cold War gap in suppressing advanced enemy air defences.
Air
Weapon / Missile
France Conducts First Live Test of MBDA’s MICA NG Missile
The French Air and Space Force has successfully fired the new MICA NG missile from a Rafale fighter jet. France’s defence procurement agency confirmed the test.
Air
Unmanned Systems
Expo and Air Show
France Revives Flying Wing UCAV as Wingman for Rafale
During the Paris Airshow 2025, French Dassault unveiled its flying wing stealthy UCAV to support future Rafale F5 multirole fighters and eventually FCAS’s NGF.
Air
Investment
Russia Offers Su‑57 Source Codes to India in Strategic Bid
Russia proposes full source code access to Su‑57E for India’s MRFA tender, surpassing Western rivals with unprecedented transparency and technology transfer.
Air
Investment
Tata to Build Rafale Fuselages in India with Dassault
Dassault and Tata signed a deal to manufacture Rafale fighter fuselage in Hyderabad. For the first time, Rafale parts will be manufactured outside of France.
Air
Weapon / Missile
Bilateral Relations
Pakistan’s J-10CE Fighter Downs Indian Air Force’s Rafale
Pakistan media shares the photos of aircraft debris, stating that it belongs to India’s Rafale fighter. It is said that a J-10CE will get the kill mark.
Navy / Maritime
Air
India and France Sign Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Aircraft
India and France signed an agreement for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft, including training, weapons, technology transfer and joint production facilities in India.
Air
UAE and ROK Ink Strategic Deal on KF-21 Fighter Jet
Focussed on the KF-21 fighter plane, the Republic of Korea and the UAE have inked a strategic cooperation pact allowing future cooperation and joint exercises.
Air
Egypt’s Rafale Fighters Spotted at Take-off for Tests
Two of Egypt’s French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets were spotted at Bod Bordeaux International Airport before their eventual delivery by local spotters.
