ILA 2026: Airbus launches Team Gen 6 following NGF collapse

A screenshot from an Airbus video released at the ILA Berlin Airshow 2026 to mark the announcement of Team Gen 6 showing a notional sixth-generation combat aircraft. (Airbus DS)

Airbus Defence and Space (DS) is to lead a new consortium of German and Spanish companies to continue development of a next-generation combat aircraft, following the collapse of the New Generation Fighter (NGF) the two countries were building with France.

Announced at the ILA Berlin Airshow on 11 June 2026, Team Gen 6 comprises Airbus DS and seven other German and five Spanish companies. Together, these 13 companies aim to continue the NGF work that came to an end on 9 June 2026 due to irreconcilable differences between Airbus DS representing Germany and Spain and Dassault representing France.

“An exciting step for European sovereignty at ILA Berlin,” Airbus DS said. “Team Gen 6 [has] signed a strategic positioning paper. The German and French governments have announced a realignment of the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS)[/Système de Combat Aérien du Futur (SCAF)]. While the development of the overarching ‘system of systems' is progressing as before, the sixth-generation fighter aircraft integrated within it requires a new, agile industrial setup.

“Together with AutoFlug, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, Liebherr, MBDA Germany, MTU Aero Engines, and Rohde & Schwarz, we at Airbus DS stand ready to take on the responsibility for a sixth-generation fighter aircraft. Closely integrated with the German partners, the Spanish industry is also forming up with the companies Indra, Airbus, Oesia Group, GMV, ITP Aero, and Sener.

“As Team Gen 6, we have the capabilities and the capacities. Now, we are looking for close alignment with policymakers and the [German] Air Force to drive forward a superior European air combat system for collective security.”