Story perspectives

Germany, Spain Launch Team Gen 6 Sixth-Gen Fighter Initiative

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Germany and Spain launched Team Gen 6 to develop a sixth-generation fighter.
Airbus Defence and Space leads eight German firms, including Hensoldt and MTU Aero Engines, with Spanish partners Indra, GMV and ITP Aero.
The alliance targets sensor fusion, long-range weapons and unmanned teaming for post-2040 air superiority.
Spain’s defence market, over €30 billion annually, drives modernisation, value-chain ties and the FEINDEF 27 exhibition, which expects over 63,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain created the Eurofighter consortium, launching the first prototype on 27 March 1994. The first production contract was signed on 30 January 1998 and the Typhoon entered service in 2003. Today Germany and Spain’s Team Gen 6, linking Airbus Defence and Space, Hensoldt, MTU Aero Engines, Indra and ITP Aero, follows that same multinational model to field a sixth-generation fighter by 2045.

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Story summary

Germany and Spain launched Team Gen 6 to develop a sixth-generation fighter.
Airbus Defence and Space leads eight German firms, including Hensoldt and MTU Aero Engines, with Spanish partners Indra, GMV and ITP Aero.
The alliance targets sensor fusion, long-range weapons and unmanned teaming for post-2040 air superiority.
Spain’s defence market, over €30 billion annually, drives modernisation, value-chain ties and the FEINDEF 27 exhibition, which expects over 63,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors.

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