- The contract, which launches the next phase of the NGWS/FCAS program, was awarded on 15 December
- Formed by GMV, Sener Aeroespacial, and Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía, SATNUS Technologies
SL is leading all the activities of the Remote Carrier Technology Pillar for the Next
Generation Weapons System (NGWS) in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) - The phase that is about to start will cover 36 months of activities and exceed €3 billion.
Madrid, 22 December 2022- The contract for the next phase of the NGWS/FCAS program was
awarded on 15 December, marking the start of Phase 1B – technological demonstration. Formed
by GMV, Sener Aeroespacial, and Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía, SATNUS Tecnologies, SL is leading all the
activities of the Remote Carrier Technology Pillar for the Next Generation Weapons System
(NGWS) in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
This ambitious program brings together numerous industries from Spain, France, and Germany to
create a “system of systems” that integrates both manned and unmanned aerial platforms. Spain
has been a program partner since 2019. Its involvement in the FCAS – by means of the NGWS
and other programs – is considered a State project aimed at gaining sovereignty, contributing to
the construction of Europe, developing technology, and creating industrial infrastructure and many
high-skilled jobs.
The Remote Carrier Technology Pillar, led by GMV, Sener Aeroespacial, and Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía
through SATNUS Technologies SL, is focused on developing new concepts and technologies in
coordination with the new manned combat aircraft of the NGWS/FCAS using a set of unmanned
vehicles.
The main aim of this pillar is to bring technologies to maturity and minimize development risks for
all variants pre-selected in the joint concept study conducted in an earlier phase. This phase will
end with a preliminary design review (PDR) and, in the particular case of SATNUS, will include the
first of the experimental flight campaigns.
The overall contract, which is valued at around €8 billion, will seek to prepare and conduct
demonstrations of the various next generation weapons systems. One of the most eagerly awaited
milestones of these demonstrations will be the first flight of the New Generation Fighter
demonstrator.
These demonstrations will make it possible to validate the concepts and technologies for the
operational NGWS, the development of which will start in the late 2020s. The value of the first
phase of this contract, covering some 36 months of activities, exceeds €3 billion. This is set out in
the agreement signed by France, Germany, and Spain on 30 August 2021, for which La Direction
Générale de l’Armement acted as the contracting authority for the three countries.
Being awarded this contract is a major step ahead for the companies that make up SATNUS, which
are looking forward to the exciting challenges that this phase of the program will entail. It also
reflects the common will of the participating nations and their industries to overcome numerous
obstacles and make progress together.