The programme represents a "test of credibility" for Europe, Macron said alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after a digital summit in Berlin, adding that "we believe in it, we are moving forward".

The FCAS programme was launched in 2017 to replace France's Rafale jet and the Eurofighter planes used by Germany and Spain.

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

In September, both Dassault Aviation and a government official said that France was in a position to develop the project alone should negotiations with Germany and Spain fail.

Berlin and Madrid have been particularly exasperated by the position of Dassault, which has been vying for a leadership role in the project.

Macron on Tuesday said those involved would "convey the necessary messages to the industry" and "take responsibility for resolving the debates".

Merz meanwhile reiterated his position that a solution would be found by the end of the year.

He added that the project "involves a great deal of money and a significant investment for the three countries that are currently involved in the consortium".

Further discussions will take place "over the next few days" with the aim of making "a decision on how to proceed", Merz said.

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Dassault Aviation

Airbus Group