Airbus is proposing three Next Generation Fighter (NGF) demonstrators, based partly on legacy Rafale and Eurofighter parts, for the Future Combat Aircraft System (FCAS) programme in France, Germany and Spain.
The move arrives in the wake of criticism from Airbus Defence Works Council and German metalworkers' union IG Metall that if only one prototype is built by Dassault in France, using a Rafale-based design, then FCAS will become an effort mainly favouring France, but heavily financed by Germany.
‘If Germany does not build its own demonstrator, this [Tornado and Eurofighter technology] know-how will be lost,’ Bernhard Stiedl, Ingolstadt IG Metall
Already have an account? Log in
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
Connect with us on socials
