Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland plan to establish a joint venture focused on high-energy laser weapons, formalizing a cooperation that has been running since 2019. The new company is expected to be set up in the first quarter of 2026 as a German limited liability company (GmbH).
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned whether the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) can deliver a jointly developed next-generation fighter jet due to a growing mismatch between French and German operational requirements. The program faces challenges with its requirements profile, and Germany is considering exploring new fighter variants or partnerships if a compromise proves impossible.
Lufthansa CityLine pilots have authorized a potential strike after wage talks with management stalled, according to the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilots' union. The 99% 'yes' vote with 95% participation gives the union's group bargaining committee a mandate for all further steps.
Germany's Helsing and HENSOLDT are collaborating on an autonomous systems project for Euro CCA, with a focus on AI-enabled combat air systems. The CA-1 aircraft will be upgraded with the AI agent Centaur, while HENSOLDT will provide sensor technologies.
Airbus Defence and Space's works council in Germany has renewed its call to end the partnership with Dassault on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), citing ongoing disagreements over workshare and responsibilities. The union is seeking clear-cut arrangements, while German officials have indicated that a choice must be made on whether and how the program proceeds.
Germany's fast-track strike drone hunt has slowed as the Luftwaffe shortlist takes shape. The procurement effort has gained an extra review round involving three candidates for further evaluation.
Germany is considering a follow-on purchase of more than 35 additional F-35 stealth fighters, according to Reuters sources. This move would take Berlin's planned fleet to over 70 aircraft and further anchor the Luftwaffe's modernization to US technology.
Germany has released its first-ever national security space strategy, which envisions a plethora of new military capabilities to boost Berlin's capacity to act independently in space. The initiative draws heavily on lessons from Ukraine and aims to enhance Germany's deterrence and defense capabilities as well as those of NATO Allies and European partners.
Germany has officially received the first operational Arrow 3 air defense system from Israel in a historic delivery that marks the largest defense export deal in Israeli history. The $4 billion contract, finalized in late 2023, represents a significant milestone in Israel-Germany defense cooperation.
Germany has selected Munich-based defense software company Helsing to support its Eurofighter EK program with an artificial-intelligence-enabled electronic warfare suite, marking one of the most significant attempts yet to integrate advanced AI into a front-line European combat aircraft. The program teams Helsing with Saab, which supplies its Arexis electronic warfare system, under a contract intended to replace Germany's retiring Tornado ECR fleet.
Germany has ordered eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to enhance its maritime patrol posture. The Bundeswehr confirmed the purchase in January 2026, with first systems expected to enter service from 2028.
Germany has ordered more Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles from MBDA, continuing the six-nation European program's development. This contract was placed through the Meteor Integrated Joint Programme Office on behalf of Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
Germany has exercised an option to acquire 20 more Airbus H145M light combat helicopters, bringing the total number of aircraft ordered under its framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters to 82 units. The decision follows a contract signed in December 2023 and deliveries began in November 2024.
Germany has placed an order for eight General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to support its maritime patrol aircraft missions. The German Armed Forces aim to protect sea lanes and critical infrastructure with the new fleet, which will be operated by Naval Air Wing 3 at Nordholz naval station in Saxony.
Germany has launched production of the Taurus Neo cruise missile with MBDA, a European missile manufacturer. The contract is linked to Germany's next-generation air-launched cruise missile and aims to prepare serial production.
Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has awarded Polaris a contract for the development and operation of a two-stage, fully reusable hypersonic research vehicle. The HYTEV program is intended to provide the Bundeswehr with a dedicated testbed for defense-related research and scientific experimentation.
The German Ministry of Defence has awarded a €1.7 billion contract to Finnish firm ICEYE and German defense contractor Rheinmetall for the development of a new synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation. The contract runs from 2025 to 2030 with options to extend, according to Breaking Defense reports.
Germany is set to acquire 20 additional Airbus H145M helicopters worth €931 million ($1 billion) as part of its military modernization efforts. The funding proposal will be presented to the Bundestag's budget committee in 2026.
The German Navy has welcomed its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter delivery at Nordholz air station, marking a significant upgrade in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capability. Airbus Helicopters handed over the aircraft on behalf of joint venture NH Industries (NHI), manufacturer of the rotorcraft.
The German Navy has taken delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter, marking an important milestone in the country's efforts to modernize its rotary-wing capabilities. According to AeroTime, Airbus Helicopters announced the handover on December 16, 2025.
In a provocative opinion piece published in Handelsblatt, leading German labor union IG Metall and aerospace industry association BDLI called for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program to be scrapped. The authors proposed establishing their own future fighter jet program and seeking partners who wish to participate.
France is reportedly negotiating its withdrawal from the Eurodrone program, a joint development project with Germany, Italy, and Spain. The move could increase the programme bill by more than €700 million, according to reports.
France and Germany are considering scaling back their involvement in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, according to a report from the Financial Times. The two governments may cancel the joint New Generation Fighter (NGF) component and focus on the 'combat cloud' architecture instead.
The first aircraft destined for Germany's PEGASUS airborne signals intelligence program has arrived in Hamburg, marking the start of system integration and certification work ahead of entry into service. The platform is based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, which will undergo modification and mission-system installation at Lufthansa Technik (Credt: Lufthansa Technik).
Former Airbus CEO Tom Enders has warned Germany against launching a national fighter program, citing the high costs and timeline. He argues that prioritizing uncrewed combat aircraft is crucial for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
Defense spending in Europe is on the rise, driven primarily by investments from Germany. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reports that Europe accounted for over 21 percent of global defense spending in 2025, up from 17 percent in 2022.
A French senator has claimed that Airbus Germany's failure to deliver critical technical sub-assemblies for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) triggered Dassault Aviation's push for stronger governance over the New Generation Fighter program. Senator Hugues Saury told France's Senate that Airbus's German subsidiary couldn't fulfill its responsibilities, straining engineering teams and prompting Dassault to demand greater authority as prime contractor.