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 Franco-German Future Combat Air System programme is moving onto Phase 1B, where Dassault, Airbus, Indra and Eumet will develop a demonstrator.
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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs
Shephard spoke with Rafael’s CEO about the company’s effector offerings as well as his perspective on one-way attack drones.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
