Airbus and BAE Systems set for talks on potential GCAP cooperation

Airbus executives are expected to meet counterparts at BAE Systems to discuss possible participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), according to reports.

The discussions come after comments from Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicating that the UK would be open to Germany joining the programme, which is being developed by the UK, Italy and Japan.

The Financial Times reported that Airbus representatives will explore how the company could contribute to the GCAP sixth-generation fighter programme.

Germany reassesses future combat-air plans

The talks follow growing uncertainty over Germany’s future combat-air plans following the breakdown of the FCAS programme with France and Spain earlier this year.

Germany is now assessing alternative routes for participation in a next-generation combat aircraft programme.

An Airbus spokesperson told Reuters: “Airbus is fundamentally open to partnerships, ​provided they grant the German, Spanish and European industry substantial ​and equal participation in development, production, and operational use.”

According to the Financial Times, plans for a German-led alternative involving Airbus, Spanish defence company Indra and other industrial partners have been abandoned.

Any future German involvement in GCAP would require discussions around industrial responsibilities, with major work packages already allocated among the existing partner nations.

UK continues GCAP technology development

The UK is separately progressing work on its Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, which is intended to support the development of technologies for GCAP. Flight testing is currently planned for 2027-28.

Mike Schoellhorn, chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space, has previously said he expects Airbus in Germany to play a “key role” in GCAP, while German engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines has also argued for what it describes as a fair industrial share of any future work.

Collaboration could extend beyond the fighter aircraft

While the fighter aircraft remains the centrepiece of the programme, GCAP also encompasses a wider system of connected capabilities, including collaborative combat aircraft, advanced sensors and a combat cloud designed to link aircraft with drones, satellites, radars and other assets.

The expected discussions between Airbus and BAE Systems are also likely to cover potential cooperation in areas beyond the combat aircraft itself, including collaborative combat aircraft and combat-cloud technologies.

Germany is already investing in collaborative combat aircraft projects through companies including Airbus and Helsing.

Other areas that could feature in future discussions include mission autonomy, electronic warfare, mission computing, artificial intelligence and weapons integration.

It remains unclear whether Germany will seek a formal role in GCAP and, if so, what level of industrial participation could be agreed by the programme’s existing partners.