MTU, the Munich‑based engine manufacturer that is part of Germany’s DAX group, is urging a political agreement on the construction of a European fighter aircraft and also backs a proposal to produce two different jets.
“Time is running out; a decision must be made quickly” said MTU chairman Johannes Bussmann in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung. “It’s about Europe’s defensive capability”. He warned that a sole reliance on the Eurofighter would not secure the continent’s future. An alternative would be to order more F‑35s from the United States, but such dependence is “dangerous in this new world”.
Recent disputes over the Fighter Combat Air System (FCAS) highlighted partnership frictions, Bussmann explained. “What is often overlooked is that it’s primarily two industrial partners-Airbus and Dassault-having trouble working together. Engine makers, such as MTU and Safran, are managing very well” he said.
MTU also supports a new idea to develop two fighters: a smaller model and a slightly larger one. Bussmann called it a “second‑best” solution. He noted that this could better meet the varied needs of the armed forces of individual countries. He added that it would be more economical if both aircraft used engines from the same consortium rather than separate development paths.
Looking ahead, MTU plans to expand its military business further. “With a European approach, our defence revenue could more than double over the next decade” Bussmann said. The war in Ukraine has underscored how warfare and defence are rapidly evolving. The company sees many opportunities where its expertise can be applied-for instance, reusable drones powered by MTU’s propulsion technology.