Airbus, Dassault to develop new European fighter jet

BERLIN — European plane-maker Airbus and France’s Dassault Aviation have agreed to join forces to develop and produce a new European fighter jet.

The two companies’ announcement at an air show in Berlin on Wednesday follows a decision in principle last year by the French and German governments to develop a new fighter jet together.

The new aircraft is slated at first to complement and then replace the Eurofighter and Rafale aircraft currently in use, between 2035 and 2040.

Dirk Hoke, the CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said that “never before has Europe been more determined to safeguard and foster its political and industrial autonomy and sovereignty in the defense sector.”

He said the “schedule is tight” and the companies need to start work immediately on a project road map.

RELATED

Brexit, project delays jeopardize combat drone project, Dassault CEO warns

A delay in the launch of an Anglo-French technology demonstrator for a combat drone has sparked "uncertainty," with Britain’s approaching exit from the EU a key factor, Dassault Aviation's CEO says.

By Pierre Tran

More In MilTech

Pentagon picks programmers to connect its Replicator drone swarms

The announcement comes a week after the Pentagon revealed several of the drones it plans to buy through Replicator.

Pentagon announces hypersonic testing pact with UK, Australia

The agreement, which falls under AUKUS Pillar II, aims to leverage the three nations’ combined hypersonics funding, facilities and experience.

Notre Dame unveils first-ever hypersonic Mach 10 wind tunnel

A first-of-its-kind test facility unveiled earlier this month at the University of Notre Dame could improve the Pentagon’s hypersonic research.

Space Force targeting more affordable GPS satellites

The program comes amid growing concern from Pentagon and other government leaders about GPS vulnerability.

Space Force expands Commercial Integration Cell partnerships

The cell provides a venue for real-time technology exchange between U.S. Space Command and commercial space firms.