FCAS fighter is dead, but Germany has a new plan.
The day after France and Germany killed the joint NGF, Airbus Defence and Space led seven German companies in sending a letter to Chancellor Merz proposing a new German-led "Team Gen 6" alliance to build a 6th-gen fighter for Europe.
The group — Airbus, Hensoldt, MBDA Deutschland, MTU, Rohde & Schwarz and others — plans to formally sign and unveil at ILA Berlin this week, timed to Germany's new national aviation strategy.
The pitch: German industry is ready to lead what Franco-German industrial politics killed.
Spain is the natural next partner; Sweden/Saab is also in play.
France will likely go its own way with a Dassault-led Rafale successor.
GCAP (UK/Italy/Japan) isn't ruled out but isn't the focus.
Source: FT