The head of French defence company Dassault said on Tuesday his firm could build the future European fighter jet by itself, as tensions persist with Germany over the multi-billion-euro project.

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme was launched in 2017 to replace ageing planes used by France, Germany and Spain.

But the scheme, jointly developed by the three countries, has stalled as disagreements grow between Dassault and Airbus, which represents German and Spanish interests.

"The answer is yes," Dassault's Eric Trappier said when asked by reporters at a factory opening event if Dassault could build a sixth-generation fighter jet on its own.

"I don't mind if the Germans are complaining. If they want to do it on their own, let them do it on their own," he added.

Analysts estima

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