Future Combat Air System (FCAS) Sixth-Gen Fighter Program

uncertain/facing downsizing

The FCAS program is a joint European defense project launched in 2017 by Germany, France, and Spain to develop a sixth-generation manned fighter aircraft. The program aims to redefine air combat, promote military independence from non-European nations, and strengthen NATO defense partnerships. However, the program has faced disagreements between partners and is unlikely to deliver a manned fighter aircraft. Efforts are being made to downsize the program and focus on developing the "combat cloud," a networked command-and-control system linking fighter jets to sensors and other assets.