Airbus has proposed splitting Europe’s future fighter project into two separate aircraft to end a long dispute with Dassault Aviation.
The clash centres on who leads the fighter element of the Future Combat Air System.
Chief executive Guillaume Faury said a dual-jet approach could save the wider programme.
FCAS also includes drones and a combat data network that are progressing without major issues.
Tensions increased after Friedrich Merz said the current design does not meet Germany’s needs.
France wants a nuclear-capable aircraft, while Germany does not.
The partner nations must soon decide whether to continue with the fighter phase.
Airbus reported a 23% rise in annual profit to €5.2bn.
However, supply shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines forced it to scale back production ambitions for the A320.
January deliveries fell to their lowest level since 2020 due to inspections linked to fuselage concerns.
The delays allowed Boeing to narrow the delivery gap after its recent recovery.
