Germany and France Abandon Joint FCAS Fighter Jet Project
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have officially ended the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, a flagship European defense initiative to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2040. The decision follows years of unresolved disputes between Airbus and Dassault over leadership, work shares, and technology access. The project, also involving Spain, aimed to replace the Eurofighter and Rafale. Its collapse marks a major setback for European defense cooperation, with Germany now relying on the F-35 and exploring alternative programs like Tempest.
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GCAP Door Open to New Partners After FCAS Collapse
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) between the UK, Italy, and Japan remains open in principle to additional partner nations, following the formal cancellation of the rival Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) on 8 June 2026. In a written parliamentary answer to Liberal Democrat peer Lord Lee, Minister Lord Coaker stated that any new partner would be assessed on criteria including burden-sharing, industrial benefits, and growth opportunities, provided programme delivery is assured. FCAS was scrapped after industrial mediation between Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space failed over disputes on leadership, workshare, and intellectual property. The collapse reshapes the European combat air landscape, with GCAP aiming for an in-service date of 2035 for its sixth-generation fighter. The decision to admit new partners remains joint among the three existing GCAP nations.
UK Defence JournalEurope's Most Ambitious Fighter Jet Collapses; German-Spanish Consortium Forms Own Sixth-Generation Program
The Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program has officially collapsed after France and Germany failed to agree on control and leadership, with conflicts between Airbus and Dassault Aviation surfacing in mid-2025. In response, eight German and Spanish companies, led by Airbus DS and including MBDA, Hensoldt, Diehl Defense, MTU Aero Engines, Liebherr, Autoflug, and Rohde & Schwarz, announced on June 11, 2026, the formation of 'Team Gen 6' to develop a Germany-backed sixth-generation fighter jet without French participation. The consortium has submitted a position paper to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, requesting contracts by the second half of 2026. However, Berlin has not yet committed to the project and is also evaluating alternatives, including purchasing additional F-35 fighter jets from the United States or joining another development program. The collapse is seen as a setback for European defense cooperation amid growing security threats from Russia.
19FortyFiveEurope's Most Ambitious Fighter Jet Just Collapsed — Now Eight German and Spanish Companies Are Building Their Own Without France
The Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program has officially collapsed due to irreconcilable disagreements between Paris and Berlin over control and industrial leadership. In response, eight German and Spanish companies, led by Airbus DS and including MBDA, Hensoldt, Diehl Defense, MTU Aero Engines, Liebherr, Autoflug, and Rohde & Schwarz, have formed 'Team Gen 6' to develop a sixth-generation fighter independently. The consortium has submitted a position paper to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, urging timely contract awards by late 2026. However, Berlin has not committed exclusively to this path and is also evaluating buying additional F-35s or joining another development program. The collapse is seen as a major setback for European defense cooperation amid rising Russian threats.
19FortyFiveEurope's Most Ambitious Fighter Jet Just Collapsed — Now Eight German and Spanish Companies Are Building Their Own Without France
The Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program has officially collapsed after Paris and Berlin failed to agree on control and industrial leadership, with conflicts between Airbus and Dassault surfacing in summer 2025. In response, on June 11, 2026, eight German and Spanish companies led by Airbus DS, including MBDA, Hensoldt, Diehl Defense, MTU Aero Engines, Liebherr, Autoflug, and Rohde & Schwarz, announced the formation of 'Team Gen 6' to develop a German-backed sixth-generation fighter. The consortium has submitted a position paper to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, urging timely contract awards by the second half of 2026. However, Berlin has not committed fully, with Pistorius calling the project 'conceivable' while also considering buying additional F-35s or joining another development program. The collapse is seen as a setback to European defense cooperation amid Russian threats.
19FortyFiveAirbus pivots to Saab after collapse of Franco-German FCAS programme
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme has officially collapsed in June 2026 due to irreconcilable Franco-German disagreements over leadership, export control, and financial commitments. In response, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three alternative paths for next-gen fighter acquisition: buying more F-35s, joining the UK-led GCAP, or launching an Airbus-led project. Airbus has intensified contacts with Saab, viewing the Swedish firm as a pragmatic, flexible partner. Meanwhile, Germany and Spain have launched 'Team Gen 6' — an industrial coalition including Airbus, Diehl, Hensoldt, Indra, and others — to preserve FCAS-developed technologies, particularly the combat cloud. France will likely pursue its own national sixth-generation fighter with Dassault. The fragmentation of European defence cooperation into at least three competing camps (Airbus-Saab, French national, GCAP) risks deepening divisions and dependencies on US systems like the F-35, undermining the original goal of European sovereignty.
Defence24.comAirbus Pivots to Saab After Collapse of Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program has officially collapsed in June 2026, primarily due to Franco-German disagreements over leadership, export policy, and financial commitments. In response, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three possible paths forward for Europe: procuring more F-35s, joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), or an Airbus-led project. Airbus has intensified contacts with Saab, seeing the Swedish firm's flexible and efficiency-focused approach as a pragmatic alternative. Germany and Spain have launched 'Team Gen 6,' a consortium of companies including Airbus, Hensoldt, and Indra, to preserve FCAS-developed technologies like the combat cloud. The fragmentation into three competing European camps (Airbus-Saab, French national effort, and GCAP) risks deepening internal divisions and losing time, potentially increasing reliance on US-made F-35s as interim solutions.
Defence24.comGermany and Spain Launch 'Team Gen 6' After Europe's Next-Gen Fighter Effort Collapses
Following the collapse of the Franco-German-led New Generation Fighter (NGF) program, Airbus has launched a new initiative called 'Team Gen 6' under German and Spanish leadership to develop a sixth-generation combat jet. The NGF was the crewed centerpiece of the broader Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Airbus Defense and Space announced the initiative at the ILA Berlin airshow, with eight German and five Spanish defense contractors signing a strategic positioning paper. Airbus executive Jean-Brice Dumont acknowledged the need to reshape the program, citing a changed world since 2017 and the need for faster milestones. The initiative seeks political backing and funding, and aims to demonstrate industrial feasibility. The original NGF effort was plagued by disagreements over industrial workshare and leadership between Airbus and Dassault Aviation, particularly over French requirements for carrier operations and nuclear capability.
The War ZoneGermany and Spain Launch 'Team Gen 6' After European Next-Gen Fighter Program Collapses
Following the collapse of the Franco-German-led New Generation Fighter (NGF) program, Airbus has launched a new initiative called 'Team Gen 6' under German and Spanish leadership to develop a sixth-generation combat jet. The initiative, announced at the ILA Berlin airshow, involves eight German defense contractors and five Spanish firms. Airbus executives acknowledged the need to reshape the program, citing changed geopolitical realities since 2017 and the need for faster milestones. The NGF was the crewed centerpiece of the broader Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which also includes drones, weapons, and connectivity pillars. The original program was plagued by disputes between Airbus and Dassault over industrial workshare and leadership, particularly regarding French requirements for carrier operations and nuclear delivery. Airbus is now seeking government guidance on the way forward.
The War ZoneGermany and Spain Launch 'Team Gen 6' After Europe's Next-Gen Fighter Effort Collapses
Following the collapse of the Franco-German-led New Generation Fighter (NGF) program, Airbus has launched a new initiative called 'Team Gen 6' under German and Spanish leadership to develop a sixth-generation combat jet. The initiative, announced at the ILA Berlin airshow, involves eight German defense contractors and five Spanish firms. Airbus executives emphasized the need for a reshaped, agile industrial setup and faster milestones, acknowledging that the geopolitical and technological landscape has changed significantly since the FCAS program was launched in 2017. The company is awaiting guidance from governments on next steps, while stressing the importance of industrial feasibility alongside technical capability.
The War ZoneAirbus Forms Team Gen 6 to Develop Next-Gen Fighter After FCAS Collapse
Airbus has announced the formation of 'Team Gen 6', a consortium of seven German defense and aviation companies along with Spanish firms, to advance development of a next-generation European combat aircraft. This move follows the collapse of the fighter component within the broader Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. The initiative aims to sustain European sovereign capability in advanced fighter jet technology, leveraging industrial partnerships across Germany and Spain to fill the gap left by the failed FCAS fighter element.
Airforce TechnologyAirbus launches Team Gen 6 for next-generation fighter after FCAS collapse
On June 11, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space unveiled 'Team Gen 6' at the ILA Berlin Airshow, a consortium of eight German defense and aviation companies (Autoflug, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, Liebherr, MBDA Deutschland, MTU Aero Engines, Rohde & Schwarz) plus Spanish firms (Indra, GMV, Grupo Oesía, Sener, ITP Aero) to develop a sixth-generation European combat aircraft. This follows the collapse of the fighter component of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program after prolonged disputes between Airbus (representing German/Spanish interests) and France's Dassault Aviation. The broader FCAS 'system of systems' concept continues, but the fighter element requires a new industrial setup. Airbus is also reportedly considering Sweden's Saab as a preferred future partner. The Franco-German defense rift extends to other programs, with Dassault seeking compensation from Airbus over Eurodrone procurement changes.
Airforce TechnologyAirbus Forms Team Gen 6 for Next-Gen Fighter After FCAS Collapse
Airbus has announced the formation of 'Team Gen 6', a consortium of seven German defense and aviation companies along with Spanish firms, to advance development of a next-generation European combat aircraft. This move follows the collapse of the fighter component within the broader Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. The new team aims to continue work on a sixth-generation fighter jet, ensuring European sovereignty in advanced military aviation. The initiative underscores a strategic pivot to salvage key capabilities after the breakdown of the multinational FCAS framework.
Airforce TechnologyGerman and Spanish defense firms propose alternative next-generation fighter jet after Berlin exits FCAS
Eight German and six Spanish defense and aerospace companies have jointly positioned themselves to build a sixth-generation fighter jet, following Germany's decision to withdraw from the €100 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme with France and Spain. The German firms, calling themselves 'Team Gen 6', include Airbus Defence and Space, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, and MTU Aero Engines. Spanish companies such as Indra, Airbus Defence and Space, and ITP have also banded together, expressing interest in close cooperation with German partners. Both groups stress openness to working with other European partners. The move comes after over a year of industry disputes between German and French lead companies and differing national requirements. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has outlined four alternatives, including buying more F-35s or joining the British-Italian-Japanese GCAP programme. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed Madrid is exploring 'many alternatives'.
EuractivGerman and Spanish companies propose joint alternative to FCAS fighter jet
Eight German and six Spanish defense and aerospace companies have jointly positioned themselves to build a next-generation fighter jet after Germany withdrew from the €100 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program with France and Spain. The German companies, calling themselves 'Team Gen 6', include Airbus Defence and Space, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, and MTU Aero Engines. They urge a quick political decision and funding commitment to retain expert teams. Spanish firms led by Indra also expressed interest in close cooperation. Both groups remain open to working with other European partners. The move follows over a year of industry disputes between German and French lead companies and differing national requirements. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius outlined four alternatives including buying more F-35s or joining the GCAP program, while his Spanish counterpart Margarita Robles said Madrid is exploring many options.
EuractivGerman and Spanish FCAS Companies Urge Governments to Preserve Sixth-Generation Fighter Expertise
German and Spanish defense companies involved in the now-defunct Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program are lobbying their governments to continue funding sixth-generation fighter jet development. The push follows the decision by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron to drop the fighter jet segment of FCAS due to years of disputes between Airbus and Dassault Aviation over leadership and intellectual property. In Germany, a consortium called 'Team Gen 6' including Airbus Defence and Space, Hensoldt, and MTU Aero Engines warned that a funding lapse would cause irreversible loss of expertise. Spanish firms led by Indra similarly urged continued investment. The companies left open the possibility of joining the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) or collaborating with Sweden's Saab. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three options: buying more F-35s, joining GCAP, or pursuing an Airbus-led European project.
Defense NewsGerman and Spanish FCAS Companies Urge Governments to Preserve Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Expertise
German and Spanish companies involved in the now-defunct Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program are appealing to their governments to continue funding sixth-generation fighter jet development. The program, which aimed to create a next-generation warplane with drones and sensors, collapsed due to disputes between Airbus (Germany) and Dassault Aviation (France) over leadership and intellectual property. A German industry group called 'Team Gen 6' and a Spanish grouping led by Indra issued statements at the ILA Berlin Airshow, warning that a funding lapse would cause irreversible loss of expertise. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three options for Germany: buying F-35 jets, joining the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), or pursuing an Airbus-led project. The companies emphasize willingness to collaborate with multinational partners, including potentially Sweden's Saab.
Defense NewsGerman and Spanish FCAS Companies Urge Governments to Preserve Sixth-Generation Fighter Expertise
German and Spanish defense companies involved in the now-defunct Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program are lobbying their governments to continue funding sixth-generation fighter jet development after existing contracts expire this year. The push follows the decision by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron to drop the fighter jet segment of FCAS due to years of disputes between Airbus and Dassault Aviation over leadership and intellectual property. In Germany, a consortium called 'Team Gen 6' including Airbus Defence and Space, Hensoldt, and MTU Aero Engines warned that a funding lapse would cause irreversible loss of expertise. Spanish firms led by Indra also issued a joint statement. The companies expressed willingness to join multinational efforts like the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) or collaborate with Sweden's Saab. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three options: buying more F-35s, joining GCAP, or pursuing an Airbus-led European project.
Defense NewsGermany and France to Preserve FCAS 'System of Systems' After Fighter Jet Collapse; Berlin Eyes More F-35s
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany and France will maintain the core 'system of systems' concept of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, despite terminating the fighter jet element due to irreconcilable differences between industrial partners Airbus and Dassault Aviation. Merz and French President Macron agreed to end the project after months of failed mediation. Defense ministers from both countries will draft a roadmap for future cooperation. Merz emphasized aerospace as a strategic industry, while Germany allocated €500 billion for defense over ten years and €35 billion for military space by 2030. Following the collapse, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated Germany may procure up to 45 additional F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, a scenario described as the preferred option.
EuractivGermany and France to Preserve FCAS Core Concept After Fighter Jet Collapse, Merz Says
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany and France will maintain the 'system of systems' concept of the collapsed Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, despite terminating the fighter jet element. Merz stated that industrial partners Airbus and Dassault Aviation were unable to find common ground after months of mediation. Both leaders agreed to end the project on Friday, and defense ministers are now tasked with creating a roadmap for future cooperation. Merz emphasized aerospace as a strategic industry, noting Germany's €500 billion defense budget over 10 years and €35 billion for military space by 2030. Following his address, Merz visited Lockheed Martin's stand, and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested Germany may procure up to 45 additional F-35 fighter jets as a preferred alternative.
EuractivFCAS: The New Generation Fighter is dead, long live the NGF!
The New Generation Fighter (NGF), the core of the German-French-Spanish FCAS project, has been officially terminated after governments failed to reach an agreement. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the end, stating 'no agreement was achievable.' The failure dominates discussions at the ILA Berlin air show, where politicians, air force officials, and industry leaders are urgently seeking alternatives to fill the capability gap left by the retiring Eurofighter. German industry, including Diehl Defence, signals readiness for an 'NGF 2.0' and notes that other FCAS pillars—such as Remote Carriers, Loyal Wingman drones, and the Combat Cloud—will continue. Potential successor projects under discussion include participation in the British-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
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