BERLIN, March 27 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday he is doing everything in his power to salvage the crisis-hit FCAS fighter jet programme with France and Spain and to
Merz Pledges Support to Secure Future of Franco-German Fighter Jet Project
German Commitment to European Defence Collaboration
BERLIN, March 27 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday he is doing everything in his power to salvage the crisis-hit FCAS fighter jet programme with France and Spain and to generally foster greater cooperation within Europe's defence industry.
Importance of the Defence Sector for German Industry
"The future of German industry is now at stake, and this industry is heavily dependent on the defence sector," Merz told a conference hosted by the FAZ newspaper, adding that he would "fight until the very last moment" for joint European projects like FCAS.
Efforts to Secure the FCAS Project
The chancellor said two moderators - one from France, one from Germany - have been appointed to come up with ways to secure the future of the project by the end of next month.
Challenges Facing the FCAS Programme
The plans to develop a futuristic air combat system are hanging by a thread amid a public dispute over control between France's Dassault Aviation and Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain in the 100-billion-euro project.
German Government's Strategic Moves in Defence Industry
Acquisition of Stake in KNDS
The chancellor also said that the German government would purchase a stake in KNDS, the Franco-German maker of Leopard tanks, as it seeks to preserve influence after a planned listing later this year valuing the company at 20-25 billion euros.
Details of the KNDS Stake Purchase
Reuters reported in February that Berlin was preparing to buy a minority stake in KNDS of at least 25.1%, citing people familiar with the matter.
(Reporting by Rachel More and Alexander Huebner; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )
