Published on 10/06/2026 - 15:01 GMT+2

A fresh initiative for a fighter jet led by Germany is emerging in the wake of the breakdown of the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) effort.

Eight firms forming the 'Team Gen 6' group under Airbus leadership plan to unveil the project on Thursday in Berlin, as stated by the company to AFP.

This partnership seeks to create an advanced combat aircraft and will provide more information during a formal signing at the ILA air show in the German capital.

It follows the decision by Berlin and Paris to end the FCAS venture on Monday amid prolonged disputes involving Airbus and the French firm Dassault.

Airbus noted that the firms have already provided a position paper to German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius detailing their plans for a sixth-generation fighter plane.

The group is calling on the German authorities to guarantee that contracts are granted completely and punctually by the latter part of 2026, as per the news agency citing the document.

A project insider indicated that the deal might be finalized privately among the companies as soon as Wednesday.

The "Team Gen 6" effort would primarily be directed by Germany.

Besides Airbus, participants comprise the European missile maker MBDA along with six German entities: Hensoldt, Diehl Defence, MTU Aero Engines, Liebherr, Autoflug and Rohde & Schwarz.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius informed journalists on Tuesday that the initiative was "conceivable and one possibility", while noting that Berlin is also exploring other options such as procuring more US-produced F-35 jets or participating in alternative aircraft programs.

Pistorius mentioned that discussions with various parties on this matter have continued for several months.

Issues in FCAS peaked during summer 2025 when Dassault sought increased oversight of the project, causing frustration among officials in Berlin and Airbus leaders.

FCAS, started in 2017 and with Spain joining in 2019, was viewed as a key endeavor in European defense collaboration. Its failure is largely regarded as a blow to initiatives aimed at bolstering Europe's armed forces amid rising threats from Russia.