Airbus CEO Rules Out U.S. Sixth-Gen Fighters, Pushes Partnership With Saab

MUNICH — The chief executive of Airbus Defense and Space has delivered one of the clearest signals yet of Europe’s determination to achieve strategic autonomy in combat aviation, stating bluntly that the continent should not repeat its reliance on American fighters for the next generation of military aircraft.

In an interview with a Swedish financial newspaper, Michael Schoellhorn said Europe must avoid purchasing sixth-generation fighters from the United States as it did with the fifth-generation F-35. His comments mark a notable shift in tone from Europe’s largest aerospace and defense company.

Rejecting Past Dependence

Mr. Schoellhorn’s remarks reference the widespread European adoption of the American-made F-35 stealth fighter, which filled a capability gap when no viable European alternative existed. That decision, he suggested, should not define the future of European combat aviation.

Airbus has begun exploratory but increasingly serious discussions with Sweden’s Saab to jointly develop a sixth-generation fighter — a European-designed, European-built platform intended to serve the continent’s air forces for decades to come.

Troubled FCAS Program

The comments come as Europe’s flagship Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a joint effort involving France, Germany, Spain and Belgium, faces significant internal challenges. France’s Dassault leads the fighter component while Airbus oversees the broader system architecture, but political and industrial disputes over work share, leadership and intellectual property have stalled progress.

German officials have expressed frustration with what they see as French demands for disproportionate control. Mr. Schoellhorn indicated that Airbus is actively exploring alternatives, including deeper collaboration with Saab, if the current FCAS framework cannot be resolved.

Strategic and Industrial Logic

A partnership between Airbus and Saab would combine complementary strengths. Saab has extensive experience designing and producing cost-effective, versatile fighters such as the Gripen, currently in service with several nations and soon to be delivered to Ukraine. Airbus brings massive industrial scale, systems integration expertise and access to major European defense budgets.

The two companies have also discussed potential cooperation on airborne early warning systems, building on Saab’s GlobalEye platform, which has recently won orders from France and Canada over American competitors.

Timeline Pressure

Mr. Schoellhorn warned that Europe must act decisively. To field a credible sixth-generation fighter by the 2040s, development must begin immediately. He expressed impatience with prolonged political limbo and suggested Airbus would move forward with Saab regardless of the outcome of current FCAS negotiations.

“If we are still in limbo at the end of the year, it will be very challenging,” he said, underscoring the urgency.

Broader European Defense Shift

The push reflects a wider European effort to reduce dependence on American defense technology. Several countries have grown wary of export restrictions, technology transfer limitations and potential political conditions attached to U.S. systems.

A fully European sixth-generation program would represent a major milestone in defense sovereignty, covering not only the aircraft but also associated drone swarms, networked sensors and command systems.

German and Swedish Roles

Germany, Europe’s largest defense spender after recent increases, is seen as a likely political and financial anchor for any Airbus-Saab collaboration. Sweden would contribute deep fighter design expertise and a proven track record of efficient production.

Spain could serve as a manufacturing and systems integration partner. Such a consortium would aim to create a platform competitive in both capability and cost with American offerings.

Implications for Transatlantic Ties

While the move signals greater European self-reliance, it does not necessarily mean a complete break with the United States. NATO cooperation continues, and many European nations still operate American equipment. However, the explicit rejection of future sixth-generation purchases from America highlights growing ambitions for industrial and strategic independence.

The U.S. is developing its own sixth-generation fighter under the Next Generation Air Dominance program. Some reports suggest Washington may offer variants to select allies, but European leaders increasingly prefer domestic solutions.

A Defining Decision

Defense analysts say the coming months will be critical. If the Franco-German tensions in FCAS cannot be resolved by late 2026, Airbus and Saab appear prepared to pursue an alternative path.

The outcome could shape European air power for the next 40 years. Success would bolster the continent’s defense industrial base and reduce vulnerabilities in a more contested global security environment. Failure might leave Europe once again turning to American suppliers.

Mr. Schoellhorn’s unusually direct comments suggest that Europe’s largest aerospace player has already made up its mind: the sixth generation of combat aircraft should be European.