Dassault Aviation CEO sets timeline for Franco-German fighter jet deal

The head of Dassault Aviation AM.PA said he was giving his company between two-to-three weeks to see if a deal could be reached over salvaging the crisis-hit FCAS fighter jet project between France, Germany and Spain.

"We are giving ourselves two-to-three weeks to try and find an agreement," Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier told the War & Peace security conference in Paris.

"We all want the 'Europe of defence', but the question is - who is going to lead it?," added Trappier.

The plans to develop a futuristic air combat system have been consistently hit by disputes over control between Dassault Aviation and Airbus AIR.PA, and the interests of Germany and Spain in the 100-billion-euro ($115.9 billion) project.

($1 = 0.8631 euros)

-John Irish/Reuters