The Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a €100 billion European fighter jet project involving France, Germany, and Spain, faces mounting tensions as France seeks sole leadership of the program. Paris demands that Dassault Aviation be the exclusive prime contractor, controlling design authority and intellectual property, arguing this approach would ensure efficiency and prevent delays. Germany and Spain oppose this stance, advocating for a collaborative approach. German Chancellor Olaf Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to postpone a final decision on the program's future until the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Germany and Spain's defense ministers are pressing to resolve disputes swiftly and advance to the next development phase by this fall. Spain has reaffirmed its commitment to the FCAS project despite the Franco-German disagreements. The escalating industrial tensions have prompted intervention by the leaders of France and Germany, with European officials emphasizing the urgency to maintain political will and keep the defense initiative on track. A trilateral meeting among the defense ministers of Germany, France, and Spain is scheduled for October to seek a resolution.