France, Feb. 19 -- In an interview broadcast on Wednesday, Chancellor Merz signalled that Germany's military needs diverge significantly from those of its key partner, raising questions about whether the two countries can continue to co-develop a next-generation fighter jet.

"The French need a next-generation fighter jet that is capable of carrying nuclear weapons and operating from an aircraft carrier. That is not what we currently need in the German army," he said in the Machtwechsel podcast.

His remarks underscore a widening rift between Paris and Berlin, not only on defence industrial policy but also on broader strategic priorities - from military spending to trade.

At the heart of the disagreement lies a fundamental question: can ...