World News for Students of English

27-02-2026 07:00

France and Germany disagree about a new fighter jet that is still under development.

France wants the aircraft to carry nuclear weapons and operate from an aircraft carrier, because it uses both. Germany doesn’t have nuclear arms or carriers, so it sees these demands as unnecessary.

This difference has created tension inside the joint European project, which began in 2017 as part of a future combat air system planned for 2040. The project is not only about a jet. It also includes software, unmanned aircraft, and a system that connects different air units. However, the fighter jet is a central part, and public doubt from German leaders has raised concern.

Competition between major aerospace companies has made the situation even more difficult, especially over who should lead and how costs should be shared. Europe wants to reduce dependence on the United States for defense equipment. Some experts say the wider program could continue even if the countries develop separate jets

Difficult words: demand (to strongly ask for something), tension (a feeling of stress or conflict between people or groups), unmanned (without a person inside).

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