Airbus to reportedly hold talks with BAE over role in GCAP jet programme
Airbus executives will reportedly meet BAE Systems counterparts to discuss possible cooperation on the GCAP fighter jet programme, including autonomous aircraft and a digital combat network. Airbus said it wants equal participation for German, Spanish and European industry.
1. Talks on GCAP cooperation
Airbus executives will reportedly meet BAE Systems counterparts to explore how Airbus could join the British company's fighter jet programme. The discussions may also cover cooperation on autonomous collaborative combat aircraft and a digital backbone for exchanging data between jets, drones and sensors.
2. Airbus sets conditions
An Airbus spokesperson said the company is open to partnerships if German, Spanish and European industry receive substantial and equal participation in development, production and operational use. The spokesperson said German and Spanish political leaders would need to make a prompt policy decision to establish the development roadmap and industrial structure.
3. Programme participants
Britain, Italy and Japan launched GCAP in 2022 to develop a next-generation stealth fighter by 2035. The programme is led by BAE Systems, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Italy's Leonardo; Canada joined as an observer in July, and Saudi Arabia has been touted as another interested country.
