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Airbus Signals Global Combat Air Programme Partnership Conditions

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Airbus executives met BAE Systems officials to discuss potentially joining the Global Combat Air Programme on Oct. 25.
Airbus said any partnership requires substantial, equal participation from German, Spanish and European industry and a prompt policy decision.
The Global Combat Air Programme, launched in 2022 by Britain, Italy and Japan, targets a stealth fighter for 2035.
Canada joined the programme as an observer after the Franco-German fighter project collapsed in June.

History

Europe began joint fighter development in 1983 with the Future European Fighter Aircraft, leading to the Eurofighter Typhoon whose first production contract was signed on 30 January 1998 and ultimately delivered 769 aircraft to NATO members. That multinational model now underpins the Global Combat Air Programme, where the UK, Italy, Japan and Canada partner with German, Spanish and other European firms to build a next-generation stealth fighter.

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Europe began joint fighter development in 1983 with the Future European Fighter Aircraft, leading to the Eurofighter Typhoon whose first production contract was signed on 30 January 1998 and ultimately delivered 769 aircraft to NATO members. That multinational model now underpins the Global Combat Air Programme, where the UK, Italy, Japan and Canada partner with German, Spanish and other European firms to build a next-generation stealth fighter.

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