• Politico reports internal German defence ministry notes call a new German-Swedish-Spanish fighter partnership “the more advantageous and promising” option over joining GCAP; it is not a final decision and Boris Pistorius has not endorsed it.
  • The notes say GCAP suits operations outside Germany’s needs and accuse BAE Systems of prioritising exports, while favouring an Airbus-Saab venture with the Gripen E as a stepping stone.
  • The notes follow the collapse of FCAS in June; Airbus wants an equal role and Saab says participation decisions rest with governments.