Finance
Airbus backs split solution for faltering FCAS fighter programme
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Summary
Airbus said it could back a two-fighter path for Europe’s FCAS if governments ask, reflecting strains with Dassault over leadership and workshare. The debate follows fresh German doubts about a single design. ([airbus.com](https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/annual-press-conference-2026?utm_source=openai))
Airbus open to two-fighter FCAS path as leadership row deepens
PARIS, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Airbus would support a "two-fighter solution" for Europe's faltering FCAS fighter programme if governments request it, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said on Thursday.
The comments during a results presentation follow a dispute between Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain, and French partner Dassault Aviation over leadership of the core warplane component of a planned system of fighters and drones.
(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Key Takeaways
- •Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury signaled support for an FCAS “two-fighter solution” if governments request it, speaking during the Feb 19, 2026 results day. ([airbus.com](https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/annual-press-conference-2026?utm_source=openai))
- •The stance comes amid long-running governance and workshare tensions between Airbus and France’s Dassault over the Next Generation Fighter pillar. ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-29/airbus-says-dassault-free-to-leave-fighter-pact-amid-bickering?utm_source=openai))
- •Political pressure is rising after Germany’s Chancellor questioned whether one aircraft can meet divergent national needs, opening debate on building two jets. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/255d40ef-9809-4855-a8c1-0413f479f582?utm_source=openai))
- •Even if fighter co-development falters, partners may prioritize other FCAS elements like the ‘combat cloud’ and remote carriers. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/6f65417d-8e4c-48ff-a2c3-4437d881ae1c?utm_source=openai))
- •Faury has previously advocated deeper alignment across Europe’s competing fighter efforts, underscoring budget and scale concerns. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/airbus-ceo-says-europes-two-fighter-jet-programmes-could-combine-3814748?utm_source=openai))
Frequently Asked Questions about Airbus backs split solution for faltering FCAS fighter programme
1What is the main topic?
Airbus indicated it could support a two-fighter approach within Europe’s FCAS program if requested by governments, highlighting ongoing frictions with Dassault over leadership of the next-generation fighter.
2What is FCAS?
The Future Combat Air System is a Franco‑German‑Spanish project to build a system-of-systems for air combat, including a next‑generation fighter, drones and a shared ‘combat cloud’ network.
3Why does the two-fighter idea matter to investors?
A split could reshape workshare, timelines and risk across Airbus, Dassault and suppliers, potentially shifting capital allocation toward the combat cloud and other FCAS components if joint fighter plans stall.
