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France open to fighter jet cooperation with Sweden

Created at 28 Aug · 3:26 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

France has indicated openness to cooperating with Sweden on developing a next-generation fighter jet, with an official highlighting potential collaboration on aircraft engine production. This comes as Sweden is expected to decide on its future warplane program by September 2027.

Who's Involved

Emmanuel Macron
President of France, scheduled to visit Sweden
Saab
Swedish defense champion and fighter jet manufacturer
Dassault Aviation
French aircraft manufacturer, competitor to Saab
Airbus Defence and Space
German aerospace company, formerly part of FCAS project
Safran
French company that makes engines for Rafale fighter jets
GE Aerospace
American company whose technology is used in Gripen fighter jet engines
France open to fighter jet cooperation with Sweden

↳ Why This Matters

France's openness to cooperating with Sweden on fighter jet development could reshape the European defense landscape, particularly following the failure of the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS program. Potential collaboration on engine production could offer significant strategic advantages and influence future military aerospace capabilities in Europe.

Key facts

  • France is open to cooperating with Sweden on building a next-generation fighter jet.
  • A French official highlighted potential cooperation in aircraft engine production.
  • Sweden is expected to make a decision on its warplane program by September 2027.
  • France's Rafale fighter jets use engines made by Safran.
  • Sweden's Gripen fighter jet uses core technology from GE Aerospace.

    • France has signaled its willingness to explore cooperation with Sweden on the development of a next-generation fighter jet. An official from the Elysée stated that both nations are seeking similar aircraft, describing them as "fairly similar, fairly small." The official specifically pointed to potential collaboration in aircraft engine production, an area where France possesses significant capacity that Sweden lacks.

    This overture from France follows the high-profile collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a joint effort between France, Germany, and Spain that faltered due to disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space. Sweden is a key player in the aerospace sector, currently operating the fourth-generation Saab Gripen fighter, though its engines utilize core technology from GE Aerospace. France's Rafale fighter jets, on the other hand, are powered by engines made by Safran.

    The official noted the competitive yet respectful relationship between Dassault and Saab, acknowledging past cooperation. However, they stressed that no formal agreements have been reached regarding future fighter jet collaboration. Sweden is anticipated to make a decision regarding the future direction of its warplane program by September 2027.

    Frequently asked questions

    The FCAS was a decade-long program intended to develop a next-generation fighter jet, involving France, Germany, and Spain. It ultimately collapsed due to disagreements between key industry players.

    Aircraft engine production is a critical and technologically advanced aspect of fighter jet development. Cooperation in this area could be a key differentiator and a basis for a successful joint program.

    Sweden currently operates the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a fourth-generation fighter jet. Its engines use core technology from the American company GE Aerospace.

    What Happens Next

    01Sweden is expected to decide on its warplane program by September 2027.

    How It Developed

    France is open to cooperating with Sweden on next-generation fighter jet development.
    An official noted potential collaboration on aircraft engine production.
    Sweden is expected to decide on its warplane program by September 2027.

    Sources

    T1
    France opens door to fighter jet cooperation with SwedenPOLITICO Europe

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