France and
Germany signed a 150 million euro ($161.84 million) deal on Thursday to develop a prototype of the next generation
fighter jet, a project seen as vital for Europe to defend itself without relying on allies in an increasingly uncertain world.
Dassault Aviation and Airbus will build the aircraft, which is expected to be operational from 2040 with a view to replacing Dassault's Rafale and Germany's Eurofighter warplanes over time.
"This is a very ambitious project between
France, Germany and joined by
Spain," French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly told reporters after a signing ceremony with his counterparts from the other two countries.