Germany Looks to Join Britain’s Tempest Fighter Jet Programme After FCAS Collapse

Germany withdrew from the Franco‑German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme following a dispute over work share between Airbus and Dassault. At the Farnborough Air Show, Michael Schoellhorn, head of Airbus Defence, said Germany is exploring a role in the UK‑led Tempest project, officially the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which already includes Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi. He noted that a German contribution could involve ordering up to 150 aircraft and securing a substantial share of development work.

The collapse of FCAS leaves France seeking new partners, with Sweden’s Saab mentioned as a possible collaborator. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledged the end of FCAS and the need to move forward, while Dassault’s Eric Trappier declared the partnership closed. Germany’s potential entry into GCAP would reshape European fighter‑jet development and provide an industrial boost for the participating nations.