France has informed Germany that it wants an 80 percent share in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the joint fighter jet program also involving Spain, Reuters reported.The program, valued at over 100 billion euros ($117 billion), is led by the European defense firms Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Indra.France’s recent request for a larger share in the initiative has raised concerns among FCAS partners, as it could alter previously agreed terms and potentially delay the next development phase, set to begin by the end of the year.Germany’s defense ministry stated that existing intergovernmental agreements remain in effect and referred questions about France’s position to the French authorities.Both the French Defense Ministry and Airbus declined to comment, according to Reuters, although Airbus reaffirmed its commitment to FCAS and the current agreements.Since its launch by France and Germany in 2017, later joined by Spain, FCAS has been marked by ongoing disputes over workshare and intellectual property rights among the partner nations.FCAS ProgramThe FCAS program aims to develop a fifth-generation fighter jet to replace the Rafale and Eurofighter fleets by 2040.The initiative also envisions integrated drone systems and advanced digital capabilities.Responsibilities are currently divided among the partners across key areas, including the fighter aircraft, the engine, a remote carrier drone, and the air combat cloud.In 2022, France and Germany announced a breakthrough in the FCAS program after months of stalled negotiations between Airbus and Dassault Aviation, resolving key disagreements that had delayed progress.Earlier in 2021, Berlin, Madrid, and Paris agreed to invest 3.5 billion euros ($4.3 billion) in Phase 1B of the project, which includes developing a flight demonstrator for future testing.The post France Seeks 80% Share in FCAS Fighter Jet Program: Report appeared first on The Defense Post.