Paris Air Show 2019: Framework agreement signed for SCAF FCAS Future Combat Air System


Ministers Florence Parly (France), Ursula von der Leyen (Germany) and Margarita Robles (Spain) today signed this framework agreement at Le Bourget, a true legal commitment for the construction of a complete system of combat aircraft and drones, which will enter the armed forces by 2040. This signature materializes a key step in the construction of the Europe of Defense, combining technological excellence, political will and industrial cooperation.


Framework agreement signed at Paris Air Show for FCAS Future Combat Air System The SCAF 1:1 mockup unveiled this June 16, 2019, at the Paris Air Show (Picture source: Air Recognition)


A 1:1 scale model has been unveiled on this occasion, presenting the culmination of the concept and architecture work of the industrials Dassault and Airbus. Realization of the first major choices regarding the fighter of the future, it is not a question of a simple artist's view but the result of the first technological decisions made between the countries concerned.

Florence Parly, French Defense Minister, welcomes this signing: "A concrete proof that Europe is able to anticipate the major strategic challenges of tomorrow, the SCAF is a major piece in the way we can face the reports of strength of the second half of the 21st century What is happening today is historic ".

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a European cooperative development program for an air combat system combining by 2040 a new sixth generation combat aircraft with a wide range of interconnected and interoperable elements such as drones, and making extensive use of artificial intelligence.