Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 6:26:03-6:26:30

Different requirements behind FCAS and GCAP

Distinct requirements and complementary national technologies complicate the assumption that FCAS must fail and its partners must join GCAP.

Defence ProcurementFighter AircraftFuture Combat Air SystemGlobal Combat Air ProgrammeTechnology Partnerships
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Question

Could FCAS collapse and lead Spain and Germany to join GCAP?

Short answer

That is a possible fallback scenario, but the programmes seek different outcomes and FCAS is not assumed to fail.

Notes

The Future Combat Air System and Global Combat Air Programme are treated as pursuing subtly different requirements. That difference leaves a reason for the programmes to continue separately. The countries involved in FCAS also bring a mix of relevant technologies, so collapse is not assumed to be inevitable. Joining GCAP is considered a conditional alternative for Spain and Germany if their existing programme fails.