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Airbus wants to join the new generation fighter project in the UK, Italy and Japan

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 26/10/2026, 13:56:24 UTC.

Briefings

Four sources familiar with the matter to the Financial Times reported that Airbus will discuss participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a UK-led initiative involving Italy and Japan. This potential German entry follows the collapse of the French-Spanish FCAS partnership. The GCAP aims to deploy a supersonic fighter by 2035, with a contract valued at 5.4 billion pounds. Key areas of cooperation include autonomous aircraft and a digital combat cloud system. The BAE Systems and Leonardo have already agreed on terms for the Eurofighter Typhoon, a precedent for industrial collaboration.

Key points

• Airbus will discuss participation in the GCAP program led by the UK, Italy, and Japan, potentially opening the door for Germany to join.
• The GCAP aims to deploy a supersonic fighter by 2035, with a contract valued at 5.4 billion pounds.

Context

The GCAP is a UK-led initiative involving Italy and Japan, seeking an European initiative for its future air combat fighter. The program aims to deploy a supersonic fighter by 2035. The GCAP advanced with a contract of 5.4 billion pounds. The BAE Systems and Leonardo have already agreed on terms for the Eurofighter Typhoon, a precedent for industrial collaboration between the companies.

Limitations

Sources familiar with the matter to the Financial Times reported the potential German entry. The specific details of the new partner's role and the exact nature of the industrial rebalancing remain unconfirmed.

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