Business · Companies · 8 hrs ago
Airbus to discuss possible role in GCAP fighter jet programme
Airbus is exploring a possible role in the GCAP fighter jet programme and is expected to discuss it with BAE Systems representatives.
The talks are reported to include other possible cooperation, such as autonomous aircraft that work alongside crewed jets and a digital system linking aircraft, drones and sensors.
GCAP was launched in 2022 by Italy, Japan and the UK to develop a stealth multirole fighter, with service planned around 2035.
Airbus is looking for partners after the German-French FCAS fighter project stalled.
Joining GCAP could leave Airbus behind existing partners, because the programme is already relatively advanced.
The possible talks matter because they could shape Airbus’s next steps in developing a next-generation fighter.
No agreement has been announced, and Airbus and BAE had not commented at the time of the report.
Airbus is reportedly exploring a role in the GCAP fighter jet programme.
Airbus executives are expected to meet representatives of BAE Systems, according to a Financial Times report cited by Handelsblatt.
The meeting is also expected to cover possible cooperation on autonomous collaborative aircraft and a digital “Combat Cloud”.
Airbus and Germany are seeking partners for a next-generation jet after the German-French FCAS project stalled.
GCAP was launched by Italy, Japan and the UK in 2022, with the aircraft intended to enter service around 2035.
- Who
- Airbus executives and representatives of BAE Systems are expected to meet.
- What
- They are expected to discuss Airbus’s possible role in the GCAP fighter jet programme and other areas of cooperation.
- When
- The meeting was reported on October 25, 2026; its date was not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Airbus is seeking new partners for a next-generation jet after the FCAS project stalled.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italy, Japan and the UK launched the Global Combat Air Programme.
Handelsblatt reported that Airbus executives were expected to meet BAE Systems representatives about possible cooperation.
The GCAP aircraft is intended to enter service.
- Programme
- Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
- Founding countries
- Italy, Japan and the UK
- Programme launch
- 2022
- Planned entry into service
- Around 2035
- Potential meeting
- Airbus executives and BAE Systems representatives