Madrid: Spanish industry representatives are calling for inclusion in the new European fighter jet project following the collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, daily El Pais reported Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency, industry representatives of Airbus, GMV, Oesia, Indra, ITP Aero, and Sener delivered a message of unity after Europe's ambitious FCAS had been halted. This decision was made following discussions between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The cancelled FCAS project was designed to not only develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft but also create an integrated air warfare network. This network was to incorporate both armed and unarmed drones operating alongside the fighter jet. The initiative was considered one of Europe's largest defense programs, aiming to enhance the continent's strategic autonomy and future military capabilities through collaboration between France, Germany, and Spain.
The Spanish representatives emphasized the necessity of continuing the development of a future air combat system after the collapse of FCAS. They signed a joint document underscoring the Spanish industry's readiness to proceed with developing a next-generation combat system.
Meanwhile, Germany is reportedly finalizing an industrial alliance led by Airbus, where Spain holds over a 4% stake. This alliance aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet through a project expected to be less complex than FCAS.
Spain's government has also awarded a pound 700 million ($805 million) contract to Airbus and Indra to develop technologies that could be used in a future sixth-generation fighter. "Spanish industry is placing its capabilities and resources at the disposal of Spain and its potential partners for the development of a next-generation combat system, comprising a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, unmanned platforms or carriers, advanced communications and sensors integrated through a combat cloud," the companies further stated in their joint declaration.