FCAS deadlock exposes Europe’s defence design crisis
Failed mediation between France and Germany over FCAS highlights structural flaws in Europe’s defence model, raising risks of delay and fragmentation.
fcas News
Air
Defence Politics
Analysis
Air
Unmanned Systems
France Exit Hits Eurodrone as Battlefield Reality Shifts
France exits Eurodrone as battlefield realities expose the limits of MALE UAVs, highlighting a deeper mismatch between European programmes and modern warfare.
Analysis
Air
What KAAN Teaches Europe About Sovereign Air Power
As Europe struggles to advance Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Türkiye’s KAAN programme offers a timely case study in sovereign technology development.
Analysis
Air
Germany’s FCAS fault line reopens after Enders warning
Tom Enders’ criticism of Germany’s FCAS partnership exposes unresolved industrial tensions and raises fresh questions over the programme’s strategic direction.
Air
Germany’s Merz Reopens a Closed FCAS Debate with France
Chancellor Merz has reignited a dispute widely portrayed as resolved within FCAS, exposing unresolved tensions over industrial sovereignty and leadership.
Air
Expo and Air Show
Germany weighs exit from FCAS over French dominance fears
Berlin is reportedly considering leaving the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter programme amid frustration over work-share and French industry’s lead role.
Air
France Demands 80% Stake in FCAS, Worrying Partners
Paris seeks majority control in Europe’s future fighter jet programme, prompting concern in Berlin and Madrid and risking delays to the next development phase.
Air
Unmanned Systems
Expo and Air Show
France Revives Flying Wing UCAV as Wingman for Rafale
During the Paris Airshow 2025, French Dassault unveiled its flying wing stealthy UCAV to support future Rafale F5 multirole fighters and eventually FCAS’s NGF.
Air
Unmanned Systems
Expo and Air Show
Indra Teases Spain’s Indigenous Remote Carrier VALERO
Spanish defence firm Indra announced the indigenous VALERO modular remote carrier prior to the start of FEINDEF’25 defence exhibition being organised in Spain.
Unmanned Systems
Airbus CEO Underlines the Urgency of Loyal Wingmen for FCAS
During a Deutsche Gesellschaft für Wehrtechnik session, Airbus CEO Schöllhorn stated that the industry must act fast for a UCAV to fly alongside FCAS NGF.
Air
Could Europe’s Fighter Jet Programmes FCAS and GCAP Merge?
Guillaume Faury suggested that Europe’s fighter jet programmes, FCAS and GCAP, could cooperate to overcome financial and technological challenges.
Air
Unmanned Systems
Sweden Goes for Its Own Future Air Combat Complex
Saab has shared its plans for a new air combat complex consisting of the new fighter, Gripen-E fighter, and three unmanned platforms.
Unmanned Systems
Expo and Air Show
MBDA Shows RCM2 Remote Carrier for Different Platforms
RCM2 was first revealed during ILA2024 alongside the Eurofighter Tranche 5 fighter. It will be launchable from aircraft, ships, and MLRS.
Air
Turkiye Presents KAAN to the Aviation World
Turkiye presented its KAAN 5th generation fighter jet to the FCAS 2024 international summit, where participants worldwide joined to express their views.
Navy / Maritime
Regional / Strategy
French Aircraft Carrier Goes Under NATO Command
France’s only aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle (R91), will come under NATO’s command for the first time.
Air
Sweden Prepares for Future Fighter Aircraft Concepts
The Swedish government has appointed Saab to conduct a thorough study of the concept of a future fighter aircraft without limitations.
