French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have convened in Toulon for a high-stakes meeting aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over the development of a successor to the Eurofighter jet. The German government has accused the French arms industry of obstructing negotiations, which have significantly delayed progress on the project. Both nations are keen to move forward with a new fighter jet that would meet modern combat requirements and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Eurofighter, a joint European project involving Germany, Spain, the UK, and Italy, has faced numerous challenges in its development and procurement processes. Critics argue that the project’s complexity and bureaucratic hurdles have led to cost overruns and delays. With the new successor project, both France and Germany aim to create an aircraft that is technologically advanced and capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern warfare.
The meeting in Toulon is expected to focus on reconciling differences between the two nations and finding a consensus on the technical and financial aspects of the project. The French arms industry, represented by companies such as Dassault, has been accused of prioritizing its own interests over the collaborative efforts of the European defense initiative. This issue has sparked concerns about the potential fragmentation of the European defense sector and its impact on strategic cooperation.