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AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Merz questions manned sixth‑generation fighter, threatens Franco‑German FCAS partnership

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned whether Germany should continue developing a manned sixth‑generation fighter under the Franco‑German FCAS/SCAF programme, saying Berlin "does not need the same jets as France" and signalling Germany could abandon the project that aims to replace Rafale and Eurofighter by 2040.

2026-02-18T00:13:13.259959-08:00

AeroTime

India asks France for 31 carrier‑capable Rafale M fighters as 114‑jet MRFA purchase advances

2026-02-17T05:05:01.374836-08:00

indiatoday.in

India clears ₹3.6 trillion ($39–40B) defence package to buy 114 Dassault Rafales

2026-02-12T02:10:28.210360-08:00

Aviation Week

German industry and unions urge homegrown or dual‑fighter plan amid FCAS dispute

2026-02-09T02:38:55.992597-08:00

News Timeline

AeroTime

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Merz questions manned sixth‑generation fighter, threatens Franco‑German FCAS partnership German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned whether Germany should continue developing a manned sixth‑generation fighter under the Franco‑German FCAS/SCAF programme, saying Berlin "does not need the same jets as France" and signalling Germany could abandon the project that aims to replace Rafale and Eurofighter by 2040.

2026-02-18T00:13:13.259959-08:00

Merz questions manned sixth‑generation fighter, threatens Franco‑German FCAS partnership

AeroTime

India asks France for 31 carrier‑capable Rafale M fighters as 114‑jet MRFA purchase advances India has requested 31 additional carrier‑capable Rafale M jets from France to bring its naval fighter fleet to a full 57‑aircraft carrier strength, French media report. The move comes as New Delhi advances a key procurement step for a separate 114‑aircraft MRFA buy.

2026-02-17T05:05:01.374836-08:00

India asks France for 31 carrier‑capable Rafale M fighters as 114‑jet MRFA purchase advances

indiatoday.in

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India clears ₹3.6 trillion ($39–40B) defence package to buy 114 Dassault Rafales India's defence acquisition council has given initial approval for a ₹3.6 trillion (≈$39–40 billion) procurement package that includes 114 Dassault Rafale fighters under the MRFA programme, P‑8I maritime patrol aircraft and other platforms, opening the way for the largest Rafale export order and possible limited local production.

2026-02-12T02:10:28.210360-08:00

India clears ₹3.6 trillion ($39–40B) defence package to buy 114 Dassault Rafales

Aviation Week

German industry and unions urge homegrown or dual‑fighter plan amid FCAS dispute Germany's largest union and aerospace lobby have urged Berlin to pursue a domestic next‑generation fighter or a dual‑fighter approach inside the Future Combat Air System, signalling deepening industrial and political friction with France. President Macron says FCAS remains viable despite the row over roles and workshare.

2026-02-09T02:38:55.992597-08:00

German industry and unions urge homegrown or dual‑fighter plan amid FCAS dispute

Air Data News

Vietnam evaluates Dassault Rafale as Hanoi reconsiders decades of Sukhoi dependence Vietnam is in talks with Dassault Aviation to evaluate acquiring Rafale fighters, potentially becoming a new international customer as Hanoi reviews decades‑long reliance on Russian Sukhoi jets. The move aims to strengthen the air force’s strike and surveillance capability and represents a strategic procurement shift.

2026-02-06T09:49:15.166123-08:00

Vietnam evaluates Dassault Rafale as Hanoi reconsiders decades of Sukhoi dependence

AINonline

Dassault names Didier Raynard as Asia‑Pacific Falcon sales head Dassault Aviation has appointed Didier Raynard to lead Falcon business-jet sales in the Asia‑Pacific region, succeeding Jean‑Michel Jacob. The change updates the company’s regional commercial leadership for its Falcon line as Dassault advances new-program activity.

2026-02-03T19:15:27.920603-08:00

Dassault names Didier Raynard as Asia‑Pacific Falcon sales head

FlightGlobal

Irish Air Corps to introduce Dassault Falcon 6X as new VIP transport The Irish Air Corps is poised to begin operations with its newly acquired Dassault Falcon 6X, which will be employed primarily for VIP transport. The jet will serve as the service's principal executive airlift asset and is due to enter operational service under the Air Corps' transport fleet.

2026-01-30T04:27:25.847433-08:00

Irish Air Corps to introduce Dassault Falcon 6X as new VIP transport

ch-aviation

Sundt Air ends Dassault operations in Norway, raises Falcon support concerns Norwegian MRO and charter firm Sundt Air has ceased its Dassault Aviation operations, a move that removes local authorized support for Dassault Falcon business jets and raises immediate questions about maintenance, parts and operator support continuity for Falcons in Norway.

2026-01-30T00:33:50.835427-08:00

Sundt Air ends Dassault operations in Norway, raises Falcon support concerns

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Dassault Aviation News

Merz questions manned sixth‑generation fighter, threatens Franco‑German FCAS partnership

India asks France for 31 carrier‑capable Rafale M fighters as 114‑jet MRFA purchase advances

India clears ₹3.6 trillion ($39–40B) defence package to buy 114 Dassault Rafales

German industry and unions urge homegrown or dual‑fighter plan amid FCAS dispute

News Timeline