Germany intends to buy 15 more F-35 fighters, bringing the total number of aircraft ordered from the United States to 50, Reuters reported, citing several sources familiar with the matter, News.bg reports.
The decision comes amid tensions between Berlin and Paris over the joint Franco-German project to develop a next-generation fighter jet, the FCAS (Future Combat Air System). The reason for the disagreements is France's desire to receive an 80% stake in the project, including greater control over production and intellectual property.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented on Wednesday that differences persist between the partners over the configuration of the project. He said delays and internal disputes over the division of work and rights were a serious obstacle to the progress of the FCAS.
A defense industry source said that if France continued to insist on a dominant share, it would significantly reduce the chances of the project moving to its next phase by the end of the year, as originally planned.