Future Combat Air System takes major step forward

This initial framework contract covers a first period of 18 months and initiates work on developing the demonstrators and maturing cutting-edge technologies, with the ambition to begin flight tests as soon as 2026.

Since early 2019, the industrial partners have been working on the future architecture as part of the programme's so called Joint Concept Study. Now, the FCAS programme will enter the demonstrator phase.

This phase will, in a first step, focus on the main technological challenges per domains:

• Next Generation Fighter (NGF), with Dassault Aviation as prime contractor and Airbus as main partner, to be the core element of Future Combat Air System,


• Unmanned systems Remote Carrier (RC) with Airbus as prime contractor and MBDA as main partner,


• Combat Cloud (CC) with Airbus as prime contractor and Thales as main partner,


• Engine with Safran and MTU as main partner.

The launch of the demonstrator phase is a display of confidence in FCAS from partner nations and the associated industry.

The increased momentum enables industry to deploy the necessary resources and best capabilities to develop this European defence project. FCAS will be the cornerstone project hoping to guarantee Europe's future operational, industrial and technological sovereignty.

The next important step in the FCAS programme will be the onboarding of Spain and the involvement of additional suppliers.

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