Dassault and Airbus to collaborate on next-generation combat jet

France and Germany have awarded the first-ever contract – a Joint Concept Study (JCS) – to Dassault Aviation (Paris, France) and Airbus (Toulouse, France) for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. The starting date for the two-year study is February 20, 2019.

The aim of the JCS is to conceptualize the different FCAS capabilities and to pave the way for future design, industrialization, as well as an estimated full operational capability by 2040. The study will prepare and initiate demonstrator programs for launch at the Paris Air Show in June 2019.

The planned next-generation weapons system will consist of a manned “New Generation Fighter” (NGF) teaming with a set of new and upgraded weapons as well as a set of unmanned systems (Remote Carriers) linked by a Combat Cloud and its Ecosystem embedded in a System-of-Systems FCAS architecture.

“This new step is the cornerstone to ensure tomorrow’s European strategic autonomy,” says Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “This new step is the cornerstone to ensure tomorrow’s European strategic autonomy. We, as Dassault Aviation, will mobilize our competencies as System Architect and Integrator, to meet the requirements of the Nations and to keep our continent as a world-class leader in the crucial field of
Air Combat Systems.”

Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, adds, “FCAS is one of the most ambitious European defense programs of the century. With today’s contract signature, we are finally setting this high-technology program fully in motion. Both companies are committed to providing the best solutions to our nations with regard to the New Generation Fighter as well as the systems of systems accompanying it.”