Airbus Defence & Space calls Europe to work together on a future combat air system. Speaking at a pre-Farnborough air show media briefing, Dirk Hoke, chief executive of the division warned that the bloc cannot support the development of several competing platforms. Hoke, said any programme for a sixth-generation fighter “had to be a full European solution”.

Hoke pointed out that there are currently three platforms – the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen – and they have a combined 1,129 orders between them, Hoke says the situation cannot be repeated. Hoke said in sum; “To look at the current scenario and to develop two or more solutions for the market is not sustainable. It will bring [European industry] to the second league – we will not compete if we fragment the market further.”

The initial work on the programme was launched at April's ILA Berlin air show with an agreement signed by France and Germany. Initial signs are that Paris, via Dassault, will lead the effort, but Hoke says that “it will invite other key nations to the table”.