Bavarian PM says Airbus could build a fighter without France
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder stated that Airbus could independently develop a new fighter jet if France withdraws from the FCAS project involving Germany and Spain. He emphasized the need for a decision by the end of the year, indicating that Airbus is capable of proceeding alone if necessary.
TUSSENHAUSEN, Germany, Sept 25 (Reuters) - A senior German politician said on Thursday that Germany’s industrial partner Airbus (AIR.PA) had the ability to go it alone with a new fighter jet if France drops out of the troubled FCAS fighter project between Paris, Berlin and Madrid.
“Either it goes ahead with our French partner or one has to think about alternatives,” said Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder, head of the CSU coalition party.
“By the end of the year we need a clear line, a decision. Airbus would be in a position to deliver,” he said, speaking to reporters after France’s Dassault Aviation (AM.PA) said it would be able to act alone.
