Franco-German Future Combat Air System takes shape

[dexter]

France and Germany have launched a joint project to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft as part of a wider Future Combat Air System, with Spain set to join shortly. Gareth Jennings, Aviation Editor at Jane's provides an overview of the current status of the programme, as well as its projected timelines.

 

[Tshering22]

France and Germany have launched a joint project to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft as part of a wider Future Combat Air System, with Spain set to join shortly. Gareth Jennings, Aviation Editor at Jane's provides an overview of the current status of the programme, as well as its projected timelines.

Given their development timelines, I really wonder whether it is sensible to focus on a manned combat aircraft programme by countries like Germany and France.

It would be optimal to make the nEUron programme a joint one with a focus on UCAV technology. Till the time this UCAV can come into effect, Typhoons and Rafales can easily hold the fort for both these countries.

 

[Irfan Baloch]

Given their development timelines, I really wonder whether it is sensible to focus on a manned combat aircraft programme by countries like Germany and France.

It would be optimal to make the nEUron programme a joint one with a focus on UCAV technology. Till the time this UCAV can come into effect, Typhoons and Rafales can easily hold the fort for both these countries.

their drone technology is very advanced and secretive

following is very less known British stealth drone

 

[Tshering22]

their drone technology is very advanced and secretive

following is very less known British stealth drone

UK is now more closely aligned with US than rest of Europe.

Given the chances of a NO DEAL Brexit is very high, it is very much possible that UK might completely switch to US side and behave more like a country from North America rather than Europe in the near future. Whatever F series that US has planned after F-35, will see UK being a major part of it; similar to what Japan and South Korea are like in Asia.

Which is exactly why despite having close cooperation in the typhoon programme, UK did not choose to go on with Germany on this one and instead, Germans tied with French; their fellow EU allies.

 

[Yongpeng Sun-Tastaufen]

UK is now more closely aligned with US than rest of Europe.

Given the chances of a NO DEAL Brexit is very high, it is very much possible that UK might completely switch to US side and behave more like a country from North America rather than Europe in the near future. Whatever F series that US has planned after F-35, will see UK being a major part of it; similar to what Japan and South Korea are like in Asia.

Which is exactly why despite having close cooperation in the typhoon programme, UK did not choose to go on with Germany on this one and instead, Germans tied with French; their fellow EU allies.

Yes it is likely the near future will be Five Eyes English speaking countries vs France Germany led EU vs Russia and China. Very interesting indeed.

 

[Jäger]

France already threaten to end the JV on the plane if we don't agree to "unlimited export" to countries, including those in conflict.
this is a common thing in Europe, failed JVs. take the FREMM & Type 45 development.
the UK wanted to mount the radar (found on the Type 45) onto the FREMM, which France disagreed and UK went on their own project.
but currently there is another project under development jointly by France-Germany that is not getting much news flash, which is the joint EM Railgun.
IMO, I just personally feel like this FCAS will end up being cancelled.

 

[nahtanbob]

France and Germany have launched a joint project to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft as part of a wider Future Combat Air System, with Spain set to join shortly. Gareth Jennings, Aviation Editor at Jane's provides an overview of the current status of the programme, as well as its projected timelines.

i would expect focus on combat drones to be better suited for the future

 

[randomradio]

Given their development timelines, I really wonder whether it is sensible to focus on a manned combat aircraft programme by countries like Germany and France.

It would be optimal to make the nEUron programme a joint one with a focus on UCAV technology. Till the time this UCAV can come into effect, Typhoons and Rafales can easily hold the fort for both these countries.

The French have a separate UCAV program with the British.

FCAS will also have unmanned drones.

IMO, I just personally feel like this FCAS will end up being cancelled.

France will still have an independent program though. The partner itself is irrelevant.

 

[Ali_Baba]

The French / British UCAV programme is dead. In large part due to Brexit, and also the French are very difficult to deal with.

The political establishments(Theresa etc) are in bed with the EU, but the security establishment for the most part dislike the EU(and now more given their antics with Brexit ) and always favoured USA projects. They have been forced to take part in EU projects due to political pressure, but they now decrease in time.

 

[Yongpeng Sun-Tastaufen]

i would expect focus on combat drones to be better suited for the future

Drones for anti terror ops. They can easily be jammed.

 

[UKBengali]

UK is now more closely aligned with US than rest of Europe.

Given the chances of a NO DEAL Brexit is very high, it is very much possible that UK might completely switch to US side and behave more like a country from North America rather than Europe in the near future. Whatever F series that US has planned after F-35, will see UK being a major part of it; similar to what Japan and South Korea are like in Asia.

Which is exactly why despite having close cooperation in the typhoon programme, UK did not choose to go on with Germany on this one and instead, Germans tied with French; their fellow EU allies.

UK is building it's own 6th gen fighter called Tempest that will come online around 2035. This aircraft will be sold in the hundreds worldwide to allow the UK to recoup the development costs.
Replacement for F-35 will not be required till around the mid-2040s and the UK has no need the go with US again.