What Happened
Shifting Alliances And Technologies Redefine Combat Aviation
The collapse of Europe’s Franco-German-Spanish sixth-generation fighter program has left the continent’s airpower future uncertain, with the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as the only remaining multinational next-generation fighter effort. As European governments increase defense spending in response to Russian aggression, they are reassessing their dependence on American technology and support, and exploring alternative approaches to airpower, including collaborative combat aircraft. According to Breaking Defense, the emergence of CCAs is raising fundamental questions about the future of European air forces and the role of traditional fighter jets.