Fighter Aircraft Market Report 2026: A Snapshot of European Air Dominance Programs

Defence IQ, the international defense sister to IDGA, published its annual “International Fighter Global Market Report” this past fall. The 57-page market report covered everything from emerging technologies to the latest procurement figures, to regional breakdowns of ongoing air superiority programs.

The following is one portion of the market report looking specifically at two of the largest sixth-generation aircraft programs in the world, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), programs that share similarities to the U.S. equivalent, Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD). This report highlights key industry players, timelines, and international collaborators for both FCAS and GCAP.

IDGA’s Air Dominance Summit, taking place May 12-13 in Henderson, Nevada, provides the aviation community with an opportunity to have in-person conversations regarding these sixth-generation aircraft programs. In its fourth year, the summit has consistently brought together leaders from across the defense and aerospace communities, including the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, allied nations, industry, and academia. This year’s summit will continue to highlight the sixth-generation aircraft programs, as well as covering sustainment of current systems, logistics challenges, advanced weapon systems, and explore innovation in air supremacy.