However, for the Franco-German-Spanish project, the delays have caused several officials to raise concerns about the program. The project was due to enter its next phase late last year, but was delayed as prime contractors Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defense and Space were unable to agree on the division of work for the next-generation fighter (NGF) component. The news came from Dassault President Eric Trappier during a mid-year press conference. Mr Trappier said: “In the next generation fighter, Dassault must be the undisputed leader.” He added that there had been some “interpretation issues” between the two companies about what it meant to be the prime contractor. Dassault said in its financial statement released Wednesday that while it is the prime contractor for “Pillar 1,” meaning the next-generation fighter, “the prime contractor/prime partner relationship has yet to be clarified.” He added: “Dassault Aviation is seeking a clear statement of acceptance of its role as prime contractor from Airbus Defense and Space for the NGF.” The project, known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) – SCAF in French – consists of seven pillars, one of which is the next-generation fighter jet. The other pillars include a new engine for the fighter jet, a next-generation weapons system, new remote-controlled drones, advanced sensors and stealth technology, and an air combat cloud network. READ MORE: Rolls-Royce unveils ‘next-generation’ hydrogen plane and future RAF jet Airbus, for its part, is ready to move forward with Phase 1B, a company spokesman said in a Thursday email to Defense News. The airline giant’s statement read: “So far, fair and balanced agreements have been reached for six of the seven pillars. “A similar agreement has yet to be reached on the remaining pillar of the NGF. “Airbus does not challenge Dassault’s overall leadership of the NGF pillar. “However, Airbus sees itself as the main partner, at eye level, and not just a supplier.” Please scroll down to share YOUR views on this topic in the comments section below For the UK, the Tempest program is ongoing. Speaking about the project, the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) said: “The demonstration is vital to ensure our technology, skills and industrial capability are future-ready. “The design and construction of the flying demonstrator will demonstrate integration and test skills. “It will also provide invaluable data and lessons to UK industry to support the introduction of a new FCAS aircraft from 2035. “The demonstrator aircraft is already in development between the Government and Team Tempest partners and the UK is actively pursuing collaborative opportunities for the project with Italian industry partners.” Britain, Japan and Italy are conducting a joint concept analysis to identify common requirements and consider how they could work together on future fighters. Decisions on the scope of this partnership are expected this year. Follow me on Twitter @JamesLee_DE for more Defense and Security News
