Nach FCAS-Aus: Airbus prüft offenbar Beteiligung an neuem Kampfjet-Programm

European aerospace giant Airbus is reportedly considering a stake in the international combat jet project GCAP, according to a media report. The German manufacturer, along with representatives from British defense contractor BAE Systems, may meet to discuss potential collaboration, as reported by Financial Times. The meeting is being seen as a way for Germany and Airbus to look for new partners following the failure of the German-French FCAS project.

GCAP, which involves Italy, Japan, and Britain, aims to jointly develop a stealth multi-role combat jet slated for service in 2035. The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently indicated that Britain is open to Germany's participation in the GCAP project led by BAE, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Canada joined the project as an observer in July, potentially paving the way for deeper involvement.

Saudi Arabia has also been seen as a potential interested party. Airbus and BAE's decision to engage in this venture comes at a time when the GCAP project is seen as a more advanced option, albeit one that could disadvantage new partners by requiring them to start from behind. The meeting is also expected to explore other areas for collaboration, including autonomous "collaborative combat aircraft" and the so-called "Combat Cloud," a digital backbone designed to facilitate data exchange between jets, drones, and sensors like ground radars.