Airbus and Saab May Jointly Develop Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet

Reference News Network, June 5 According to a report by the U.S. magazine National Interest on May 31, Michael Scherhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space, publicly stated that if the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project fails, Airbus may collaborate with Swedish defense company Saab to develop a German-Swedish sixth-generation fighter jet.

The report indicates that as the FCAS project continues to struggle, Airbus, one of the main contractors for the project, has openly proposed the idea of collaborating with Saab to develop the future sixth-generation fighter jet. This is an ominous sign for the pan-European fighter jet project.

The FCAS aims to help Europe respond to the U.S. "Next Generation Air Dominance" fighter and other countries' new generation fighters. However, the project is mired in political disputes, historical differences, and industry infighting, making little progress. Airbus's public exploration of other options demonstrates that confidence in the FCAS is rapidly eroding.

The FCAS is a project involving multiple European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Belgium. The project is not just about developing a new generation fighter; it aims to create a "system of systems" that integrates drones, advanced sensors, and connectivity with ground forces to support manned combat aircraft. Its goal is to provide Europe with an alternative to U.S. air power, maintaining an independent aerospace industry and avoiding complete reliance on American fighters like the F-35 Lightning II.

However, the FCAS project faces challenges. Disagreements between France and Germany over leadership, intellectual property, and industrial control over the final product are growing. The main French participant, Dassault Aviation, wants substantial control over the fighter's development, while Germany believes France is seeking too much influence. Dassault CEO Eric Trappier recently warned that if the collaboration breaks down, the FCAS project would effectively be doomed. This week, Scherhorn from Airbus began to openly discuss alternative architectures, partnerships, and arrangements related to the fighter jet. This is certainly not good news for the project's future.

Saab has a long history of fighter jet manufacturing, including the "Draken," "Viggen," and the famous JAS-39 Gripen. Airbus's interest confirms Saab's experience and capabilities. Scherhorn stated that discussions between Airbus and Saab are not exploratory or superficial, but have been seriously considered.

Scherhorn explicitly warned Europe not to repeat the mistakes made with its fourth and fifth-generation fighters. The Eurofighter Typhoon was supposed to be a cutting-edge pan-European fighter, but France withdrew from the project to develop the competing Dassault Rafale. The duplication of efforts between the two may have harmed both sides. Given that neither of these fighters matches the U.S. F-35, many European countries now view the F-35 as their fifth-generation fighter.

Now Europe is concerned that if the FCAS fails, it will once again rely on the U.S. for sixth-generation fighters. Without domestic fighters in service, it may have to purchase the F-47. This is a far-reaching concern. It means Europe will continue to be constrained by the U.S., relying on it for upgrades, supply chain integrity, and political approvals. Therefore, Europe naturally prefers to maintain a degree of independence in the next generation of fighter aircraft.

Airbus warns that if decisions regarding the FCAS continue to be delayed, the established timeline will become completely unrealistic. If Europe wants to have sixth-generation fighter capabilities by the 2040s, it needs to make decisive and swift decisions. However, delays are becoming increasingly severe. Meanwhile, the U.S. is advancing the F-47 project. The longer the FCAS remains entangled in political and industry disputes, the greater the risk that Europe will become a buyer in the sixth-generation fighter market. (Translated by Tu Qi)