# Europe Reorients Next-Generation Airpower Plans

Europe’s next-generation airpower plans are shifting after the FCAS partnership faltered. The UK-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) remains the main multinational fighter effort, while Germany is weighing its next step and France may pursue a national aircraft. Germany aims to field a collaborative combat aircraft capability in 2029, and GCAP targets entry into service in 2035. No specific solicitation or contract value is identified. For procurement teams, the clearest market signals are potential demand for collaborative combat aircraft and other unmanned systems, with industrial participation, sovereign control of software and sensors, and domestic sustainment likely to shape buyer decisions.

- Companies pursuing European opportunities should assess how they can support locally integrated capabilities and domestic sustainment, alongside the aircraft or uncrewed platform itself.
- Germany’s 2029 CCA target and GCAP’s 2035 service target point to distinct planning horizons; suppliers can align capability development and industrial participation proposals accordingly.
- The changing FCAS landscape creates uncertainty around future national and multinational procurement pathways. The source identifies no open solicitation, contract value, or confirmed French program to bid on.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- German Air Force (Luftwaffe) (Luftwaffe)

### Vendors
- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (Unmanned aircraft supplier and collaborative combat aircraft developer)
- Airbus (Potential industrial participant in a future fighter arrangement)
- Saab (JAS 39 Gripen manufacturer and supplier)

### Key Quotes
> You can go in there and have the best system in the world, but if you’re not willing to open up and make it theirs, make it their own, it’s not going to go anywhere.
> — Dave Alexander, President of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

### Sources
- [Europe's airpower future is taking shape, but not as originally planned - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/europes-airpower-future-is-taking-shape-but-not-as-originally-planned) - Breaking Defense