The Future Air Combat System program, FCAS or FCAS in English, which brings together France, Germany and Spain, faced several blocking points in recent months, preventing the start of work on the construction of the demonstrator expected to fly in 2023. Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, and Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defense&Space, each called on the government leaders of the participating countries to resolve their differences so as not to postpone the start of work and, thereby, disrupt the entire program schedule.
Among these divergent points, the most critical was the rebellion of the German engine manufacturer MTU, refusing to cede to the French engine manufacturer SAFRAN the project management concerning the new generation reactor program which will power the new combat aircraft. The German group, although significantly less experienced than the French in the field of fighter engines, had also received the support of a significant part of the Bundestag in his approach, blocking inter-governmental agreements and therefore, the program.
However, an agreement was reached, satisfying both MTU, the French SAFRAN, and the respective governments. Thus, Safran will retain project management of the first phase of engine design, to avoid “two-headed” piloting, like what was done with the A400M propeller, and which generated many difficulties. The two engine manufacturers have also agreed to create an equally owned joint venture, which will subsequently become the prime contractor for this program. In addition, the question of intellectual property of the technologies provided and developed within the framework of the program was resolved. Thus, manufacturers providing know-how and clean technologies will remain owners of these technologies, even once integrated into the FCAS. The technologies developed within the framework of the program will be accompanied by a right of use limited to Defense uses by all the actors participating in its design. On the other hand, it is prohibited to make a civil application without obtaining the agreement of all parties.
At the same time, the role of the company Indra, designated by Madrid as referent for Spain in the program, has been defined, the company will receive responsibilities and missions, particularly in terms of R&T, proportional to the Spanish financial commitment in the program. No reference was made regarding specific management of the “Electronic Warfare” component, as requested by the Spanish electronics company.
With these agreements, the program will be able to move forward, and the first contracts for the development of its 5 pillars, and in particular the highly anticipated Next Generation Fighter demonstrator. The coming weeks should therefore be full of announcements concerning the FCAS program, especially since, at the same time, two of the main industrial groups participating in it, Thales and Airbus DS, have officially called for a rapprochement with the Tempest program, the second European program bringing together Great Britain, Italy and Sweden. In fact, if the two programs were to come together, this would have to be done before the Research and Technology programs which will soon be launched are too advanced, otherwise industrial and technological sharing will be even more difficult between the 6 country.