France, Germany, and Spain are refining the scope of their future sixth-generation fighter jet at a summit in December, with France including funding for the Future Combat Air System in its 2025 defense budget. Delays are possible due to electoral deadlines for certain state partners.

Negotiations for Phase 1B of the FCAS program were delayed in 2022 due to disagreement between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, the main partners in the project. The development of the future F5 standard for the Rafale fighter, including an air-combat drone and hypersonic nuclear missile SNA4G, has been initiated by France.

France is also facing delays in the Main Combat Ground System project along with setting up a joint project company, and is willing to support Naval Group in targeting export markets with its defense and intervention frigate. The French Navy is set to receive the first frigate in 2025, with subsequent deliveries in 2027, 2028, 2031, and 2032.

Negotiations for France’s future aircraft carrier are ongoing, with an expected order by the end of 2025, while the current carrier Charles de Gaulle is scheduled for a major overhaul in 2027-2028. France is considering prolonging the life of the vessel beyond 2038 if necessary.