While most discussions touch Germany and France’s sixth-generation fighter fate after FCAS project closure, question of another country remains in shadow — Spain. Local industry is not planning to sit idle.
Companies Airbus, GMV, Grupo Oesia, Indra Group, ITP Aero and Sener signed joint declaration on commitment to supporting Spain and Europe in creating new combat aircraft. It is expected to enter service approximately in 2040.
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Moreover, press release mentions German industry made analogous statement, specifically 8 leading aviation industry companies. This is presented as readiness for multinational cooperation.
Defense Express notes this last fact may indicate Spanish desire to continue working with Germans on sixth-generation fighter. However, this is not surprising given Airbus holds serious role in both countries.
Regarding 2040 service entry timeline, approximately such date was previously named for FCAS project. Thus possibly industry is oriented toward same date, or simply moved approximate plans further.
For Spain new fighter question is even more serious than for others, as it abandoned American F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing carrier-based aircraft. As result, they urgently need to extend 45-year-old AV-8B Harrier operation.
Interestingly, previously reported Spanish interest in purchasing Turkish fifth-generation KAAN with technology transfer possibility. One can assume it will become interim solution until FCAS replacement appears.
Recall Germany currently seeks options for creating new fighter. Although independent development ideas are mentioned, most likely partners will be found or they will join British-Japanese-Italian GCAP project, which currently faces certain threat.
Likely called is German-Swedish cooperation, as Airbus conducted corresponding consultations with Saab over past year. Therefore, given above statement, Spain may prove third in this partnership. However, France also considers joint Swedish development, which may lead to conflict.
