French FCAS doesn't exist outside of paperwork.

The Italian-British-Japanese GCAP has currently projected first delivery in 2035. It's based on BAE Tempest which never existed outside of paperwork, and doesn't seem to exist outside of paperwork and is projected for deliveries, maybe, in 2035.

It's a 40 year old gen 4 airframe.

It works at chasing down cruise missiles, but it's an expensive way to do things.

You're not going to fly into a bunch of S-300/400 systems and survive.

"The tradeoffs are clear, but I know what I'd be doing if I were Europe; investing in their own MIC."

...

"BAE Systems brings its military aircraft expertise to the development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of the F-35.

We have been part of the programme since its inception and we are on a continuing mission to support our customers and the armed forces who keep us safe by driving readiness, availability and affordability for the global fleet."

The EU has significant MIC investments in the F-35.

You can't make the F-35 without the UK MIC. They make the rear fuselage and tail assemblies, EW suite, RWR, even the sensors used to detect corrosion.

The French wanted to compete with the F-35. Always refused to buy any.

The best they could do was a gen 4 jet that's not any better than gen 3 jets with updated radars.

It's also dependent on ... BAE, no BAE, no updated Super Rafale.