France is in a position to develop a next-generation combat aircraft alone should negotiations with Germany and Spain fail, a government official said Wednesday.

The statement comes a day after the head of French defence company Dassault said 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 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 Dassault and Airbus, which represents German and Spanish interests.

The partners have sparred over questions of project leadership and how to divide up production.

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