New Stealthy Combat Aircraft Concept Unveiled at FIA-24 by U.K., Italy, and Japan

At the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA-24), the U.K., Italy, and Japan jointly unveiled a new concept model of their next-generation combat aircraft as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), marking their first collaborative exhibition.

The model displayed features an evolved design with an expanded wingspan to enhance aerodynamics. Engineers from BAE Systems (U.K.), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) are using digital tools and virtual reality to advance the aircraft's design.

Set for service in 2035, the aircraft will feature an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven cockpit, integrated sensors, and a powerful radar capable of providing vastly more data than current systems.

Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) involves the U.K. (BAE Systems), Japan (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), and Italy (Leonardo) developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2. Announced in December 2022, the program merged separate projects into GCAP, formalized by a 2023 treaty. Development starts in 2025, with a demonstrator flight in 2027 and service entry by 2035. GCAP builds on the U.K.'s Tempest program and Japan's F-X program. The U.K. and Japan agreed in 2022 to co-develop a new fighter engine. The collaboration allocates different project aspects to each nation, with development plans due by 2024 and production by 2030.

Expansion to include Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and Germany is considered, facing challenges. Saudi Arabia's interest faces opposition from Japan, Sweden has postponed its decision to join until 2031, and Germany's participation is uncertain due to its own defense program challenges.

In December 2023, the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) was established, with Japan providing the first CEO and Italy the business leader.