Germany’s next fighter jet puts its defense partnerships to the test

BERLIN — Germany faces a consequential choice over building its next fighter jet: join an existing project with the U.K., Italy and Japan, or develop a new aircraft with Sweden and Spain. The decision will shape its military capabilities and diplomatic alliances for decades. The dilemma follows the collapse of the Future Combat Air System, Germany's troubled fighter project with France and Spain, leaving Berlin to reconsider how it develops advanced military technology with European partners.