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Airbus capable of developing a fighter alone, CEO says amid FCAS row

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 20, 2026

1 min read

Last updated: February 20, 2026

Airbus capable of developing a fighter alone, CEO says amid FCAS row - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

Quick Summary

Airbus says it could build a fighter on its own and backs a two‑fighter option to break the FCAS deadlock. CEO Guillaume Faury notes other FCAS pillars are progressing despite the Airbus‑Dassault dispute.

Airbus CEO Says It Can Build Fighter Solo as FCAS Rift Deepens

Readiness to Proceed Alone

Airbus Position on Potential FCAS Split

PARIS, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Airbus is ready to take part in any decision to split a troubled Franco-German-Spanish fighter project into two separate warplanes, but is capable of going it alone if necessary, the company's CEO said in comments broadcast on Friday.

BFM TV Interview Highlights

Uncertainty Over Scope of Split

Guillaume Faury told BFM TV that it remained unclear to what extent a decision to split the FCAS fighter project, dogged by recent in-fighting between Airbus and Dassault Aviation, would lead to separate projects or maintain elements in common.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher and Gianluca Lo Nostro. Editing by Mark Potter)

Key Takeaways

•Airbus signals it could develop a next-generation fighter independently if required.
•CEO Guillaume Faury supports a two-fighter approach to resolve FCAS gridlock.
•Infighting between Airbus and Dassault over leadership continues to stall NGF work.
•Other FCAS pillars, such as combat cloud and drone carriers, are progressing.
•Outcome may influence European defense industrial strategy and related equities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Airbus capable of developing a fighter alone, CEO says amid FCAS row

1What is the main topic?

Airbus’s CEO says the company could develop a fighter alone and supports a two‑fighter solution to resolve the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) dispute with Dassault.

2Why is FCAS facing delays?

Governance and leadership disagreements—mainly between Airbus and Dassault over the next‑generation fighter (NGF) pillar—have stalled progress despite advances in other components.

3What could happen next for FCAS?

Governments may decide to split the program into two fighters or restructure leadership. Airbus says it is prepared to proceed under either outcome, including going solo if required.

Airbus Position on Potential FCAS Split

BFM TV Interview Highlights

Uncertainty Over Scope of Split

(Reporting by Tim Hepher and Gianluca Lo Nostro. Editing by Mark Potter)

Key Takeaways

•Airbus signals it could develop a next-generation fighter independently if required.

•CEO Guillaume Faury supports a two-fighter approach to resolve FCAS gridlock.

•Infighting between Airbus and Dassault over leadership continues to stall NGF work.

•Other FCAS pillars, such as combat cloud and drone carriers, are progressing.

•Outcome may influence European defense industrial strategy and related equities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the main topic?

Airbus’s CEO says the company could develop a fighter alone and supports a two‑fighter solution to resolve the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) dispute with Dassault.

2Why is FCAS facing delays?

Governance and leadership disagreements—mainly between Airbus and Dassault over the next‑generation fighter (NGF) pillar—have stalled progress despite advances in other components.

3What could happen next for FCAS?

Governments may decide to split the program into two fighters or restructure leadership. Airbus says it is prepared to proceed under either outcome, including going solo if required.