Berlin weighs developing fighter jet without Dassault, says source

BERLIN, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Germany is determined not to give in to what it sees as unjustified demands by France's Dassault AM.PA for higher workshare on a new European fighter jet and could press on without France if talks break down, a person briefed on the matter said.

Both the office of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the defence ministry in Berlin are resolved to either implement existing agreements with Paris and third partner Madrid or, if this proves impossible with Dassault, look for alternatives to develop the future fighter jet, the person said.

France, Germany and Spain are working on fighters designed to fly alongside armed drones, but the 100-billion-euro ($118 billion) project has been plagued by rifts between Dassault and Airbus AIR.PA, which represents both Madrid and Berlin.

Germany has blamed Dassault for blocking the next phase of the project known as FCAS, which involves building an airworthy demonstrator, by demanding sole leadership.

Dassault declined to comment. It has previously denied breaking existing accords but says a three-way split in decision-making is unworkable and wants clearer leadership of the core fighter part of the project from the next phase, with Airbus running others parts of the project.

The German chancellery and the defence ministery did not immediatly respond to a request for comment.