UPDATED: FCAS is ‘on the way to first flight’, says Airbus
An indication that the programme was finally gaining ground came in the middle of November when Airbus said both France and Germany were adamant FCAS 'must work'. (Photo: Airbus)
The French General Directorate for Armament (DGA) has awarded the Demonstrator Phase 1B contract of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme to Dassault Aviation, Airbus, Indra, Eumet and their industrial partners.
The award, made on behalf of France, Germany and Spain, is worth €3.2 billion ($3.4 million) and was announced on 16 December.
Phase 1B will cover work on the FCAS demonstrator and its components for about three and a half years.
This stage of the programme will build on the success of Phase 1A demonstrator-related research and technology work and development activities, which allowed the identification of critical
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
-
Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence
The rise of drones has reshaped the threat landscape for all European militaries. For industry, future defensive strategies must carefully balance a mix of passive and active measures to address the evolving danger, based around a highly integrated and responsive network of sensors and effectors.
-
October drone digest: France and Lithuania advance loitering munition procurements as global spending surges
Recent procurement developments in France and Lithuania highlight the growing demand for loitering munitions, with global annual spending forecast to increase nearly 50-fold between 2020 and 2029.
-
Germany could secure greater influence through sixth-generation fighter partnership with Sweden and Spain
Germany is assessing potential pathways for a future sixth-generation fighter capability, including discussions with GCAP partners and Sweden.