The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), also known as Tempest in the UK, is an ambitious international defense collaboration between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, aimed at developing a next-generation combat aircraft. This initiative represents a significant advancement in military aviation and showcases the combined technological and industrial capabilities of these three nations.
A groundbreaking new concept model has been unveiled for their next-generation combat aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow. This marks a pivotal moment in the development of one of the world’s most advanced and sophisticated fighter jets. The next-generation combat aircraft, expected to be operational by 2035, will feature an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors, and a next-generation radar capable of processing 10,000 times more data than current systems.
The event saw representatives from the three nations and their lead industry partners—BAE Systems from the UK, Leonardo from Italy, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan—come together to showcase their collective progress. The new model, displayed prominently in Hall 5, features a larger wingspan compared to previous designs, aimed at enhancing the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance.
Engineers from BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have been working under a collaborative agreement, employing cutting-edge digital tools and virtual reality technologies to refine and evolve the aircraft’s design. This approach is intended to streamline the concepting phase and integrate innovative solutions effectively.
The UK’s contribution is spearheaded by BAE Systems, which has extensive experience in developing combat aircraft. The UK has a strong defense industry that includes notable partners like Rolls-Royce and MBDA, contributing to various aspects of the programme.
Italy’s Leonardo plays a crucial role, bringing in expertise in avionics, electronics, and systems integration. Leonardo has a rich history of collaborating on international defense projects and is instrumental in the development and refinement of the aircraft’s design.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries leads Japan’s involvement, focusing on integrating Japanese technological innovations and ensuring the aircraft meets the operational requirements of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Japan’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing its defense capabilities through international partnerships.
Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems, said: “In the 18 months since the launch of the Global Combat Air Programme, we’ve been working closely with our industrial partners in Italy and Japan under the collaboration agreement, and also with the three governments, to understand and align requirements for a next generation combat aircraft.
“The new model, unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow, shows notable progress in the design and concepting of this future fighter jet. We’ll continue to test and evolve the design, as we move closer towards the next phase of the programme.”
GCAP is not just about developing a new aircraft; it’s about fostering deep industrial and technological cooperation among the partner nations. The programme builds on existing defense relationships and aims to create a highly interoperable and adaptable aircraft that can operate seamlessly within the defense frameworks of all three countries. This collaboration also serves to enhance the defense industries of the UK, Italy, and Japan by pooling resources, knowledge, and technological advancements.
The development of this next-generation combat aircraft is expected to have a significant economic impact, creating jobs and stimulating technological innovation in the defense sectors of the participating countries. The collaboration also ensures that these nations remain at the forefront of military aviation technology, capable of meeting future defense challenges effectively