Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament on Thursday that Germany could potentially join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as Berlin faces mounting pressure from lawmakers to end its involvement in the rival Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
Both programs foresee the development of a 6th generation fighter jet to replace aircraft such as the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, with entry into service expected around 2035.
Crosetto’s remarks come amid intensifying disputes between Airbus in Germany and Dassault in France, which have put the €100 billion FCAS project at risk. He stated, “Germany could possibly join this project in the future,” citing the economic and technical benefits of broader participation.
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FCAS concept (Dassault)
The FCAS program, which also includes Spain, is experiencing internal frictions that could jeopardize its continuation. German, French, and Spanish defense ministers are set to meet on December 11 to discuss the program’s future.
French-German industrial disagreements center on leadership, intellectual property, and workshare, complicating collaborative efforts. German business leaders have increased lobbying activities in an attempt to keep FCAS on track.
“The more countries participate, the greater the critical mass in which to invest, the more bright minds can be brought together, the higher the economic return and the lower the costs for us,” Crosetto said, highlighting GCAP’s potential advantages for participants.
The GCAP project currently involves Italy, the UK, and Japan, and is being positioned as an alternative for European partners seeking next-generation fighter capabilities.