Airbus Confident FCAS Franco-German Fighter Jet Will Continue

Discussion about FCAS system moves on Airbus confident Franco-German Fighter Jet Partnership will continue

2026-05-31 From Detlev Karg 1 min Reading Time

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Airbus Defence chief Michael Schöllhorn has ruled out a complete collapse of the troubled Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. The project remains strategically important for Airbus, said Schöllhorn, who also serves as President of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI).

Airbus Defence chief Michael Schöllhorn: FCAS remains strategically important. (Picture: Airbus) — Airbus Defence chief Michael Schöllhorn: FCAS remains strategically important.
(Picture: Airbus)

“FCAS will continue in one form or another,” he stressed. The planned Combat Cloud, designed to network military systems, as well as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme for accompanying drones, would proceed regardless. “Europeans must learn to connect their systems and exchange data with one another.”

Differences concern the fighter itself only

According to Schöllhorn, the core problem lies with the next-generation fighter aircraft that is to be jointly developed by Airbus and the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. This element of the programme is facing significant difficulties, with Schöllhorn citing “irreconcilable differences between Airbus and Dassault”. As one possible way forward, he referred to a scenario that has already been discussed by several stakeholders: the development of two separate fighter aircraft within the FCAS framework. “We keep everything that can be retained within FCAS and build two different fighters,” he explained. Another option would be a new European partnership. However, Germany would not be able to carry such a project on its own.

Schöllhorn hopes for decision defore ILA

Schöllhorn said the defence ministries in Berlin and Paris are working on a solution and voiced hope for a political decision before the International Aerospace Exhibition Berlin on 10 June. The issue is particularly sensitive as the German Chancellor is expected to unveil a new aviation strategy at the event, including the future direction of military aviation and FCAS.

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