Germany Exits FCAS 6th-Gen Fighter Program with France, German-Spanish Defense Firms Seek New Paths

Central Message

(CNA, Berlin, 15th -综合 international news) After Germany decided to exit the 'Future Combat Air System' (FCAS) program—a joint initiative with France to develop next-generation fighter jets—German and Spanish companies previously involved in the project have appealed to their national governments to safeguard the 6th-generation fighter technology already developed.

Launched in 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron and then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the FCAS program aimed to develop a next-generation stealth fighter by around 2040, integrating unmanned wingman drones and satellite capabilities into a comprehensive air combat system to replace France’s Rafale and Europe’s Typhoon fighters. Spain joined the program in 2019.

However, the FCAS program has faced persistent challenges. Long-standing disputes between France’s Dassault Aviation and Germany’s Airbus Defence and Space over leadership, development share, technology sharing, and intellectual property rights deepened over time. Ultimately, the German government announced its withdrawal from FCAS in early June 2023.

According to Defense News, major German contractor Airbus Defence and Space and Spanish contractor Indra issued separate statements on June 11, 2023, urging their respective governments to continue funding the 6th-generation fighter technologies developed during the program.

In Germany, a consortium called 'Team Gen 6' has been formed, comprising Airbus Defence and Space, ejection seat manufacturer Autoflug, defense firm Diehl Defence, radar and sensor leader Hensoldt, flight control and landing gear specialist Liebherr, missile giant MBDA Deutschland, aerospace engine maker MTU Aero Engines, and military electronics and communications provider Rohde & Schwarz.

In Spain, a similar alliance includes Indra, Airbus Defence and Space Spain, defense IT and command systems firm Grupo Oesia, aerospace and satellite navigation leader GMV, engine manufacturer ITP, and defense systems integrator Sener.

These companies are warning that any interruption in funding could lead to irreversible loss of critical technologies and are calling for sustained government investment in 6th-generation fighter development.

Notably, these firms aim to remain part of an international development team, preserving options to join other existing 6th-gen fighter programs—such as the UK-Italy-Japan-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)—or potentially launching a new initiative in collaboration with Swedish aerospace leader Saab.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently outlined several potential paths for Germany to acquire next-generation fighters post-FCAS: purchasing additional F-35s from the U.S., joining the GCAP, or launching a new independent program led by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with other domestic and international firms. (Compiled by: Chen Yiwei) 1150616