Airbus has proposed building two separate warplanes to rescue Europe’s stalled Future Combat Air System.
The idea would end the dispute with Dassault Aviation over leadership of the next-generation fighter.
Chief executive Guillaume Faury said the deadlock must not derail the wider programme.
FCAS also includes drones and a combat data cloud.
Germany, France and Spain must soon decide whether to proceed with the jet element.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz recently questioned the aircraft’s design.
Germany does not require a nuclear-capable fighter, while France does.
Airbus said a split model could attract new partners but left the final decision to governments.
The company reported a 23% rise in annual profit to €5.2bn.
However, shares fell after supply chain problems hit production targets for the A320.
Engine shortages from Pratt & Whitney and fuselage inspections slowed deliveries.
Airbus still plans to increase output and deliver about 870 aircraft this year.
The delays allowed Boeing to narrow the gap after a strong 2025.
