Airbus Defence head Michael Schoellhorn rules out a complete failure of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. Schoellhorn acknowledges "unbridgeable differences" with French partner Dassault Aviation over the core fighter jet. Key elements of the program will still move forward.
Disputes center on project control and differing national requirements. France requires a nuclear-capable, carrier-based aircraft.
The future of the central fighter jet remains uncertain. Partners may develop two separate aircraft.
Other components continue to progress. Schoellhorn projects that development of the "Combat Cloud" networking system and associated unmanned aircraft will continue.