Airbus has proposed building two separate warplanes to rescue Europe’s stalled Future Combat Air System.
The €100bn programme has been delayed by a leadership dispute with Dassault Aviation.
Chief executive Guillaume Faury said the conflict should not endanger Europe’s next-generation defence capability.
He argued a split solution could allow progress and attract additional partners.
Tensions have grown between France and Germany over the aircraft’s role.
Berlin does not require a nuclear-capable jet, while Paris does.
Friedrich Merz described the disagreement as technical rather than political.
Governments in Germany, France and Spain must soon decide whether to continue the fighter element.
Other parts of the project, including drones and a combat cloud, are advancing.
Airbus reported a 23% rise in annual profit to €5.2bn.
However, supply shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines forced it to scale back production targets for the A320.
Shares fell after the warning, and January deliveries hit their lowest monthly level since 2020.
