The FCAS Programme Explained - A Beginner’s Guide

As the global defence environment becomes increasingly complex and competitive, the development of sixth-generation airpower capabilities has become a strategic imperative. In the United States, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme is driving forward with a focus on manned-unmanned teaming and technological superiority. Russia continues work on advanced propulsion systems for the Su-57, while China’s Chengdu J-20 is undergoing significant upgrades to maintain its cutting-edge status. 

In Europe, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is the continent’s flagship initiative to remain relevant in the race for air dominance. Designed as a multi-national effort, FCAS aims to create a cutting-edge “system of systems” that will underpin Europe’s air superiority well into the 2040s and beyond. 

This article provides an overview of the FCAS programme, answering key questions and exploring the latest developments ahead of Defence IQ’s International Fighter Conference, which will be held in Rome, Italy from 4–6 November 2025. 

What Is FCAS? 

The Future Combat Air System is a next-generation military aviation initiative led by France, Germany and Spain. It is being developed collaboratively by Dassault Aviation, Airbus and Indra Sistemas, supported by several industrial partners across Europe.  

At the heart of the programme is the creation of a sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, which will be paired with unmanned aerial vehicles known as remote carriers. Together, these platforms will operate within a new digital infrastructure called the combat cloud - a secure, AI-powered communications and data-sharing environment that enables seamless interaction across manned and unmanned systems. 

FCAS represents a fundamental shift in how airpower is projected and sustained in a contested, multi-domain battlespace. By integrating artificial intelligence, cyber resilience and cross-domain connectivity, the programme aims to ensure that European forces are equipped to respond to emerging threats. 

Who Are the FCAS Nations? 

The FCAS programme was first proposed in 2017, when France and Germany began exploring options for a next-generation air combat capability. Airbus quickly became a key partner, and by 2019, Spain had joined the programme as a third core nation. Since then, trilateral cooperation has driven the project forward, with clear workshare allocations and joint decision-making frameworks in place.

In June 2023, Belgium became an official observer of the FCAS programme. As of April 2025, Belgium is preparing to transition from observer status to full partner, with formal accession expected by June 2025. This move is seen as a significant step towards deeper European defence integration and reflects growing interest in collaborative capability development across the EU. Other nations, such as Italy and Sweden, remain outside the programme for now, as they pursue development through the parallel Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) alongside the United Kingdom and Japan. 

How Much Will FCAS Cost? 

The financial scale of FCAS is considerable, reflecting its complexity and ambition. The initial Phase 1A contract, awarded in 2019 and valued at €65 million, supported early research and conceptual studies. This funding was equally split between France and Germany, and involved a consortium of companies including Dassault Aviation, Airbus, MTU Aero Engines, Safran, Thales and MBDA. The primary aim of Phase 1A was to develop the system architecture and explore key technology areas such as fighter design, unmanned systems and the foundational combat cloud. 

In March 2023, the programme entered Phase 1B, backed by a significantly larger €3.2 billion budget. This phase focuses on the development and testing of demonstrators, as well as the maturation of enabling technologies. Work is being led by Dassault, Airbus and Indra, with broader industrial input from across the partner nations. According to Airbus, Phase 1B is designed to deliver tangible progress, including the first flight demonstrations of new technologies by 2028–2029. These demonstrators will help de-risk critical elements of the programme before entering full-scale development. 

Latest Developments in FCAS (as of April 2025) 

The FCAS programme has made significant progress over the past 18 months, with key milestones advancing its development. As of early 2025, the consortium continues to work toward finalising the design for the Next Generation Fighter. In November 2023, Major General Jean-Luc Moritz, who leads the French segment of the programme, confirmed that a down-selection process was underway, with two designs expected to be chosen by mid-2024 and a final configuration anticipated by March 2025. While public confirmation of a final design approval has not yet been made, the project remains on track and continues to enjoy strong trilateral support. 

One notable technological development has been the operational launch of the AI-enabled combat cloud backbone. In May 2024, Rohde & Schwarz announced that the platform was fully operational. It is intended to enable secure, real-time data sharing and collaboration between manned and unmanned systems, streamlining joint operations across European defence organisations and advancing the standardisation of multi-domain capabilities. 

Work on uncrewed remote carriers has also advanced. Airbus revealed a full-scale concept model of its Wingman drone at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin in June 2024. Designed to operate alongside manned aircraft, the uncrewed platform is intended to support missions such as surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike operations. The Wingman concept represents an important component of the FCAS system of systems, contributing to greater operational flexibility and survivability. 

Amidst earlier speculation about national disagreements, all three partner nations - France, Germany, and Spain - have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the programme. In late 2023, defence leaders emphasised the strategic importance of FCAS for European sovereignty, interoperability, and technological competitiveness. 

Join Us at the International Fighter Conference 2025 

As the FCAS programme continues to evolve, it remains central to Europe’s vision for future air superiority. But FCAS is just one part of a much larger, fast-moving global picture. 
To explore how initiatives like FCAS, NGAD, and GCAP are redefining the future of air combat, join us at the International Fighter Conference 2025, taking place from 4–6 November in Rome, Italy. Now in its 25th year, IFC is the premier global event for the combat aviation community, bringing together over 350 senior military and industry leaders from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia. 

This year’s agenda includes deep dives into manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), AI integration, electronic warfare, and multi-domain interoperability. With dedicated sessions on FCAS and its role in the future airpower ecosystem, IFC 2025 provides a vital forum to exchange insights, shape strategy, and stay at the forefront of global defence innovation.  

Bibliography
* Airbus. Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/defence/future-combat-air-system-fcas.
* GOV.UK. “UK, Japan and Italy Sign International Stealth Fighter Jet Programme Treaty.” GOV.UK, accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-japan-and-italy-sign-international-stealth-fighter-jet-programme-treaty.
* Brannen, Wesley. “Belgium To Join Europe’s FCAS Program In June 2025.” Breaking Defense, November 15, 2023. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/belgium-to-join-europes-fcas-program-in-june-2025/.
* Dassault Aviation. “Demonstrator Phase Launched: Future Combat Air System Takes Major Step Forward.” Dassault Aviation, December 2022. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/demonstrator-phase-launched-future-combat-air-system-takes-major-step-forward/.
* Airbus. Joint Press Release – FCAS Demo Phase 1B Contract. December 2022. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2022-12/en-joint-press-release-fcas-demophase-1b-contract_0.pdf.
* Brannen, Wesley. “FCAS Weighing 4 Fighter Designs, Could Make Final Choice by March 2025.” Breaking Defense, November 2023. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/fcas-weighing-4-fighter-designs-could-make-final-choice-by-march-2025/.
* Rohde & Schwarz. “AI Backbone for FCAS Operational.” Rohde & Schwarz, June 2023. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/about/news-press/all-news/ai-backbone-for-fcas-operational-press-release-detailpage_229356-1500528.html.
* Airbus. “Unmanned Escort for Manned Fighter Jets: Airbus Presents New ‘Wingman.’” Airbus, June 2024. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-06-unmanned-escort-for-manned-fighter-jets-airbus-presents-new-wingman.
* AeroTime. “Germany Reaffirms Commitment to FCAS Amidst Speculation of Withdrawal.” AeroTime, February 2024. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/germany-reaffirms-commitment-to-fcas-amidst-speculation-of-withdrawal.
* Defence IQ. International Fighter Conference. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://www.defenceiq.com/events-internationalfighter.