Aerospace Titans Unite: Airbus and Dassault Aviation Collaborate on Next-Gen Combat Air Solutions

· Transformational agreement to develop Europe’s next-generation combat aircraft

· Strengthening European high-tech leadership in military aviation for decades to come

· Future Combat Air System (FCAS) designed as a comprehensive system of systems, incorporating unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced connectivity, and secure communication technologies

· Next-gen fighter jets aimed to enhance and replace the current fleets of Eurofighter and Rafale by 2035-2040

· Development contract to be initiated post-study, including demonstrators to support FCAS starting from 2025

Berlin, 25 April 2018 – Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) and Dassault Aviation (stock exchange symbol: AM) have committed to collaborate on the development and production of Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS), intended to enhance and ultimately replace the existing Eurofighter and Rafale fighter aircraft by 2035-2040.

This collaboration, announced in Berlin by Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, and Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, marks a significant industrial partnership aimed at securing European technological sovereignty and leadership in military aviation for the foreseeable future.

“Now more than ever, Europe is committed to preserving and enhancing its political and industrial autonomy in the defence sector. Both Airbus and Dassault Aviation possess the necessary expertise to guide the FCAS project,” stated Dirk Hoke. “Our previous success in developing Europe’s medium altitude long endurance drone program lays a solid foundation for this endeavor. It’s crucial for France and Germany to initiate a joint study this year to establish a roadmap for meeting the project’s requirements and timelines.”

Eric Trappier added: “By leveraging our combined expertise, Dassault Aviation and Airbus will effectively address the operational demands of this vital European initiative. We aim to collaborate pragmatically and efficiently, with our joint roadmap outlining proposals for developing demonstrators for the FCAS by 2025. The ambition of the FCAS project symbolizes a robust commitment to Europe’s independence and strategic autonomy, reinforcing political and military relationships among Europe’s key nations while revitalizing its aerospace industry.”

Both Airbus Defence and Space and Dassault Aviation recognize the necessity of effective industrial governance in defence projects, which includes collaboration with other key European defence players based on government support and optimal contributions.

In essence, FCAS represents a comprehensive system that integrates numerous elements, featuring next-generation fighter aircraft alongside Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), operational aircraft extending beyond 2040, as well as future cruise missiles and swarm drones. This interconnected system will ensure interoperability across mission aircraft, satellites, NATO frameworks, and various land and naval combat systems.