Aircraft
Dassault Ponders Post-FCAS Future French Fighter
Concept demonstrator could fly in 2031 as collaboration questions remain
Initiated in 2017, the Franco-German FCAS future fighter initiative was officially terminated in 2026
Initiated in 2017, the Franco-German FCAS future fighter initiative was officially terminated in 2026

Dassault Aviation appears optimistic about a potential French future fighter, with a new concept demonstrator aiming to fly as early as 2031 or 2032. However, in the wake of the collapse in early June of the tri-national Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, Dassault has yet to decide if it will find a new partner or go it alone. 

Addressing the company’s second quarter earnings results in a call on July 23, Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO Eric Trappier revealed that discussions are underway “to launch an alternative with France, on a purely French basis initially, or in co-operation of those who might wish to join this demonstrator.” The demonstrator aircraft is set to fly in early 2031 or 2023 and will be “based on French requirements,” he confirmed. 

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