What to know about Europe’s next-gen fighter programs
When the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS program collapsed earlier this year, it left Europe with a single sixth-generation manned aircraft in the works. But that doesn’t mean the British-Italian-Japanese GCAP program will be the only option for European fleets going forward. Older options are looking at upgrades, the F-35 still looms large, Sweden’s Saab could jump in the game, and the push to shore up Europe’s domestic production is still moving forward.
For part two of our European Airpower roundtable, Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta is joined Breaking Defense Europe co-editors Tim Martin and Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo, along with noted aviation expert Douglas Barrie of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Keep an eye out for future episodes by going to Breaking Defense and Breaking Defense Europe.
The collapse of the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS program has left Europe with only one sixth-generation manned aircraft in development. The British-Italian-Japanese GCAP program is being considered as a future option, while older aircraft like the F-35 are also under review for upgrades. Sweden's Saab may join the competition, and there is a continued effort to enhance Europe's domestic military aircraft production.
- The FCAS program collapsed earlier this year, leaving Europe with one sixth-generation aircraft in development.
- The GCAP program is being considered as a future option for European fleets.
- Older aircraft options are being evaluated for upgrades, including the F-35.
- Sweden's Saab may enter the competition for next-generation aircraft.
- There is a push for increased domestic production of military aircraft in Europe.