Finance
Fighters Can Be Carved Out of Fcas, CEO of Airbus Military Division Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 21, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 21, 2026
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Airbus’s military chief Michael Schoellhorn said Europe should focus on building a networked “combat cloud” even if the fighter jet component of FCAS must be separated, potentially leading to multiple next‑generation aircraft platforms.
Airbus Chief: Future Combat Air System May Split into Multiple Fighter Jets
Airbus' Vision for Europe's Future Combat Air System
April 21 (Reuters) - Europe must move to build a networked "combat cloud" linking fighters, even if that means the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) ends up operating on different jets, the chief of Airbus' military division Michael Schoellhorn said at a trade show on Tuesday.
Airbus' Role and Industrial Partnership
He said Airbus did not sign up to act as a subordinate supplier in a French‑led programme and reiterated support for a genuinely balanced industrial partnership, as approved by Germany's parliament.
Implications for European Defense Collaboration
If that proved impossible, he said, the fighter element could be split off from FCAS, potentially leaving Europe to field two or three different next‑generation manned or optionally manned aircraft.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Maria Rugamer, editing by Maria Martinez)
Key Takeaways
- •Airbus emphasizes creating a connected Combat Cloud as the core of FCAS, even if the fighter element is split off.
- •Schoellhorn rejected Airbus being reduced to a subordinate role in the French‑led programme, calling instead for a balanced industrial partnership backed by Germany’s parliament.
- •If partnership tensions persist, Airbus may carve out the fighter component from FCAS—resulting in Europe operating two or three different manned or optionally manned aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fighters can be carved out of FCAS, CEO of Airbus military division says
1What is the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)?
FCAS is a European defense program aimed at creating a networked 'combat cloud' that links next-generation fighter jets.
2Why might FCAS fighters be split off into separate jets?
If a balanced partnership is not achieved among participating countries, the fighter element could be separated, resulting in multiple next-generation jets for Europe.
3What is Airbus' position on the FCAS program?
Airbus supports a balanced industrial partnership and does not wish to be a subordinate supplier in the French-led FCAS program.
4How does Germany view its role in the FCAS partnership?
Germany's parliament has approved a genuinely balanced industrial partnership within the FCAS program.
5What is a 'combat cloud' in the context of FCAS?
A 'combat cloud' refers to a digital network that connects fighters, allowing them to operate together more effectively.
