Germany and France have agreed to end their joint next-generation fighter development program, a project built around a core manned aircraft supported by drones and connected through a classified combat-cloud network that had faced months of uncertainty.

Following the decision, Berlin and Paris are focusing on developing a combat cloud intended to link aircraft, drones and sensors, while they may pursue separate national aircraft designs within a shared technological framework.

The shift has prompted Airbus to look for new partners and to explore a Germany-backed partnership approach. Separately, Airbus has presented elements of its drone portfolio, including the Valkyrie uncrewed combat air system it said is intended to provide an operational, nationally controlled capability for the German Air Force by 2029 and the Ravenstorm system it said would be available in the early 2030s.