Airbus executives are scheduled to meet with BAE Systems representatives next week to discuss potential collaboration on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The discussions will explore how Airbus can participate in the project, which is currently led by BAE Systems in partnership with Italy and Japan.
The talks follow Germany's search for new defense partnerships after the collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project involving France and Spain. Germany is currently evaluating two primary paths: joining the GCAP initiative or forming an alliance with the Swedish defense company Saab.
Integrating Airbus and its Spanish partner Indra into the GCAP project presents significant challenges. BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have already finalized work-share agreements and intellectual property terms, aiming to keep the supersonic fighter jet on track for a 2035 service entry.
Airbus has stated it intends to play a key role in any future project, rejecting a limited scope of work such as manufacturing minor components. German officials are also pushing for agreements that ensure fair work shares for domestic firms, including MTU Aero Engines.
Beyond the fighter jet, the companies plan to discuss collaboration on autonomous collaborative combat aircraft and combat cloud software architectures. While Saab remains a potential partner, the company is currently focused on its own next-generation research, and Sweden is not expected to make a decision soon.
