I don’t doubt that FCAS in the Franco-British sense is a UCAV, with systems that could be of use to a fighter in part (that was my point).
I just think the UK Typhoon replacement is not this fighter. This feels like it will need to do Air to ground as much as anything else -for two countries that don’t operate the F35 in that role.
I agree. Many tech nologu bicks to be used in the program.
I phoned yesterday afternoon at Dassault Dircom. They were not aware (although apprehensive). What they are afraid from is that Germany may inject more money and promise more orders) than France and require leadership on the program (of course he did not say it exactly that way). Apparently they are not very happy that Germany imposed a dual engine for Eurodrone to comply with their laws and regulations.
Imho, few things are important to consider.
– Its been many times that Germany asked to join FCAS program
– The document states “long term” procurement
About the FCAS part, FCAS being a system of systems and not only the FCAS DP drone a manned fighter could complement it instead of challenge it.
About long term, it would be very interesting to consider the German Tornado retirement calendar. A new fighter would need maybe 20 years to be operational. I doubt that (and would be very interested in informations, @scorpion82 ?) that German Tornados can manage to last till 2035. If so they may need a replacement in the meanwhile. Purchasing F-35 would certainly not be well accepted on this siode of the Rhine.
The decision is purely politic. There is, according to every expert here, no need for a Rafale replacement before 2050. Ppl are afraid that Rafale program may be sacrified to Europe of Defense without sufficient counterparts from Germany.
We well know much more when the “calendar” promised for mid 2018 will be released.
Just my few cents.
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