Eight German Defense Firms Form Consortium to Develop New Fighter Jet

Following the collapse of the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, eight German defense companies have formed a consortium called 'Team Gen 6' to jointly develop a new fighter jet. The group includes Airbus Defence and Space, MTU Aero Engines, Hensoldt, MBDA, Autoflug, Diehl Defence, Liebherr, and Rohde & Schwarz. They have signed a strategic position paper outlining their commitment and are seeking support from Spanish partners. The initiative aims to maintain Germany's sovereignty and industrial capability in next-generation air combat systems. The move comes after France and Germany failed to agree on key aspects of the FCAS program, leading to its termination. The consortium emphasizes the urgency of proceeding without delay to ensure European defense autonomy.

Global Impact

Economically, the consortium will drive billions in R&D spending across Germany and Spain, creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening the European defense industrial base. Politically, it deepens the rift between France and Germany on defense strategy, potentially weakening EU joint procurement efforts.