Airbus considers joining the Global Combat Air Programme
Airbus is considering joining the Global Combat Air Programme in collaboration with BAE Systems, a move that could expand the scope of the UK-led programme.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
The Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing informed sources, that executives from Airbus will hold meetings with their counterparts at BAE Systems to discuss the possibility of Airbus joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Reuters was unable to verify the report’s claims as of publication. Airbus and BAE Systems did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
The report also indicated that one area of potential cooperation involves what is known as the “combat cloud,” or the core digital infrastructure that enables data sharing between fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, and sensors such as ground-based radars.
The report comes after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated earlier this month that the United Kingdom is open to Germany’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme, led by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The programme expanded for the first time last July when Canada joined as an observer, potentially paving the way for broader participation in the future.
