German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees a continued need for discussions with Paris regarding the new Future Combat Air System (FCAS) jets planned jointly with Spain.
"The differing views on how this consortium is composed have not yet been resolved. But I am confident that we will succeed," he said during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Chancellery in Berlin on Wednesday.
However, there is still no outcome "that fully satisfies me," he added.
Further talks with the French government are being prepared, Merz noted.
The FCAS is expected to be operational from 2040 and will replace the Eurofighter. It is designed to operate in conjunction with both unarmed and armed drones, making it more than just a fighter jet.
The total cost of FCAS is estimated to be in the triple-digit billion euro range.
A lengthy struggle over industrial policy and division of tasks had dogged the project.
"I absolutely want us to stick to the agreements we have made with France and Spain regarding FCAS," Merz said. "This can be a good project for European defence. We need such an aircraft."
Implementing joint defence projects must be done in an uncomplicated manner, the German chancellor added.
"If we can achieve that, then this is a project that is still worth a political commitment," Merz said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speak during a press conference in the Chancellery after their meeting. Soeren Stache/dpa