Airbus and Dassault to team up on combat fighter
Airbus and Dassault Aviation announced on 25 April that they intend to team up on the development of the future French-German combat fighter, a project Berlin and Paris unveiled in 2017.
The two firms ‘have decided to join forces for the development and production of Europe's Future Combat Air System,’ which is intended to enter service by 2040, they said in a joint statement released at the Berlin air show.
The French and German governments are expected to make an announcement during the air show about their intention to move forward with the project.
Airbus and Dassault have been rivals in the development of combat aircraft.
Dassault builds the Rafale (pictured) which is France's main fighter jet, while Airbus is a partner in the EurofighterTyphoon which is used by several European nations including Germany.
Dassault's chief executive Eric Trappier told journalists that the two firms had reached an agreement in principle to work together.
He called it ‘a first message to tell (policy-makers) we are ready in the field of a future air combat system.’
The chief executive of Airbus's defence unit, Dirk Hoke, called the project a ‘huge step forward’ in ensuring the development of technologies to ensure European sovereignty.
‘It can only be done, not only when the governments work together, but when key industrial partners team up,’ he said.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
