Market Chatter: Airbus Said to Explore Joining BAE Systems' Global Combat Air Programme

06:38 AM EDT, 10/26/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Airbus (AIR.PA, AIR.F) executives are set to meet with the UK's BAE Systems (BA.L) in the coming week to discuss a possible entry of the European planemaker into the latter's Global Combat Air Programme, London's Financial Times wrote Sunday, citing four people familiar with the plans. Aside from potentially joining the fighter jet program, discussions between the companies will also cover collaboration across several other areas of future combat air, the sources said, adding that no final decisions are expected at this stage. BAE Systems told MT Newswires that the upcoming meeting is a "routine" one and said it cannot comment any further. Airbus did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)