German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron aim to decide on the future of the Franco-German fighter jet program FCAS by year-end. Merz said the issue would not be discussed in upcoming government consultations but stressed Europe’s need for a new fighter jet, Reuters reported.

The €100bn project faces delays over leadership and work-share disputes, with France’s Dassault seeking dominant control while Germany favors a balanced consortium including Airbus and Indra. The disagreement threatens the start of FCAS’s second phase: developing airworthy demonstrators.

Merz will meet Macron Thursday, with ministers joining talks Friday, according to Reuters.