Airbus has suggested splitting Europe’s next-generation fighter project into two separate aircraft.
The proposal aims to break a long dispute with Dassault Aviation over leadership of the €100bn Future Combat Air System.
The FCAS programme also includes drones and a combat data cloud.
Airbus represents Germany and Spain, while Dassault leads the French side.
Disagreements over design and control have repeatedly delayed progress.
Chief executive Guillaume Faury said a dual-fighter approach could protect Europe’s defence ambitions.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz recently questioned whether the planned nuclear-capable jet suits Germany’s needs.
Partner nations must soon decide whether to continue with the fighter element.
Airbus said the rest of the programme is advancing well.
The company reported a 23% rise in annual profit to €5.2bn.
However, supply shortages from Pratt & Whitney forced it to cut production targets for the A320.
Lower January deliveries helped Boeing record its strongest output since 2018.
