German defense assessment favors fighter-jet venture with Sweden and Spain over UK-led program, citing military needs and industrial control

A German defense ministry assessment recommends developing a new fighter jet with Sweden and Spain rather than joining the UK-led program with Italy and Japan, according to ministry documents seen by Politico. The assessment calls the three-country option more advantageous, but it is not a formal government decision and does not indicate support from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The recommendation follows the collapse of Germany’s previous fighter project with France and focuses Berlin’s search for a successor to its Eurofighter fleet on industrial control and military requirements. Officials argue that the Global Combat Air Program is geared toward operations beyond Germany’s core needs for combat over continental Europe. They also warn that joining an established program could limit German manufacturers’ ability to secure substantial development and production contracts.

The assessment criticizes BAE Systems, warning that British dominance would prevent an equal partnership. It instead proposes a joint venture between Airbus and Saab, based on shared military needs among Germany, Sweden and Spain. The German defense ministry declined to comment on the internal assessment.