Airbus Leads Charge in Sixth-Generation Jet Initiative

A consortium led by Airbus has submitted a position paper on a proposed sixth-generation fighter jet to the German government, amidst uncertainty surrounding Europe's future combat jet program. Named 'Team Gen 6', this group includes several defense companies pushing to influence the Future Combat Air System's development.

A consortium of defense companies, spearheaded by Airbus, has presented a position paper to the German government, detailing plans for a sixth-generation fighter jet. This initiative aims to steer the course of Europe's forthcoming combat jet project amid persistent uncertainties.

Termed 'Team Gen 6', the group encompasses notable industry entities like Airbus Defence and Space, Autoflug, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, Liebherr, MBDA, MTU Aero Engines, and Rohde & Schwarz. The consortium's intention, as outlined in the document, emerges as a bid to contribute to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), as confirmed by a Hensoldt spokesperson.

Despite the collapse of an earlier Franco-German initiative for a new combat jet, insiders assert this latest move isn't an attempt to initiate a fresh project. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted ongoing dialogues about future possibilities, acknowledging the long-standing issues with FCAS.