Spain made its official entry into the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program on December 9, 2020. Airbus announced that two framework contracts were signed with Spain. The European manufacturer should lead the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) development work for the first FCAS demonstrators in Spain. The first NGF prototype is expected to fly in the second half of 2026. Additionally, Airbus Spain will be in charge of the “Low Observability” module.
“This signature builds on Airbus’ acknowledged role as the aerospace and defence prime contractor in Spain and ensures we can support Spain’s best interests by contributing our proven design, industrial and technical capabilities, as well as our experience in successful sovereign European programmes,” Alberto Gutiérrez, President of Airbus Spain, said.
On November 23, 2020, the Spanish defense electronics group Indra was awarded the leadership of a concept study aimed at designing the sensors of the Future Combat Air System. It will be assisted by its French partner Thales and the German consortium FCMS.