France wants to develop next-generation fighter jet together with Sweden

A representative of the French presidential palace said on Friday that France is ready to cooperate with Sweden in developing a next-generation fighter jet. According to the official, both countries are looking for aircraft of a similar type and relatively small size, making cooperation a logical step.

The statement came ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's planned visit to Sweden on Monday. The French official noted several possible areas of cooperation, pointing out that France has aircraft engine production capabilities that Sweden lacks, which could become one field for joint work.

Collapse of the FCAS program

France's interest in Sweden has grown following the collapse of the joint French-German-Spanish program to develop the next-generation FCAS fighter jet. The project had stalled for years due to disagreements between France's Dassault Aviation and Germany's Airbus, and it finally fell apart last spring.

Both Paris and Berlin have now turned to Stockholm, hoping to draw Sweden into their future fighter jet development programs.

Sweden's current technology

The Swedish company Saab independently produces the fourth-generation Gripen fighter jet, though its engine relies on technology from the American company GE Aerospace. The engines of France's Rafale fighter, meanwhile, are produced by the local company Safran.

Sweden must decide on the future direction of its next-generation fighter jet development program by September 2027.