„Auf dem Weg in Richtung Luftstreitkräfte der Zukunft in #Europa zeigt sich erneut, dass wir die gewaltigen Herausforderungen nur gemeinsam bewältigen können“, so Verteidigungsministerin Lambrecht. #FCAS wird die Bundeswehr als auch unsere #Partner nachhaltig stärken. pic.twitter.com/oTKBy8R2sr
— Verteidigungsministerium (@BMVg_Bundeswehr) November 18, 2022
FCAS (Future Combat Air System) is the biggest European defence project. Its estimated cost could be over 100 billion euros. The future 6th generation fighters to replace the Eurofighters jets in the German and Spain air forces and the Rafale aircraft in France.
“The political agreement on FCAS is a great step and – especially in these times – an important sign of the excellent Franco-German-Spanish cooperation. It strengthens Europe’s military capabilities and secures important know-how not only for our, but also for the European industry,” said German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht.
Airbus statement on the Future Combat Air System #FCAS pic.twitter.com/DstorIcS24
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) November 18, 2022
The main industry partners in the FCAS program will be Dessault Aviation (France), Indra (Spain) and Airbus (Germany). The latter has published a short statement about the FCAS programme progress.
“We can confirm thah discussions among industry and governments on the next phase of FCAS have concluded which represents a big step forward for this European flagship defence programme. Now, a number of formal steps in the respective countries have to be taken in order to allow a speedy contract signature which will have to adhere to. Therefore, we will provide further updates on the programme and the way forward in due time once the contract between industry and the three nations is ready for final signature,” Airbus posted on Twitter.
Spanish company Indra released the same wording statement.
