German lawmakers approve funds for new Euro fighter jet

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WEB DESK

German lawmakers have approved funds for a cross-border project with France to develop a new fighter jet and reinvigorate an ambitious programme to bring together Europe’s military forces. The development of the stealth jet is a crucial part of the nations’ joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with Spain. The project will also include drones, satellites and other aircraft to help reduce the EU’s long reliance on US planes and equipment.

German MPs approved loans of 83 million US dollar to launch a research project which aims to build the first prototypes of a “new generation fighter” for European armed forces by 2026.

The project had already cleared one key hurdle in December when an agreement was reached between French and German engine manufacturers over how to divide the project.