Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP): Farnborough, UK (22 July): Italy, UK and Japan, the partner nations of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), Monday unveiled new fighter jet concept at Farnborough International Airshow. This marks the first time the three nations have exhibited together, showcasing the substantial progress made towards delivering this cutting-edge fighter jet. The new concept model, on display at Farnborough International Airshow, represents a significant evolution from previous designs. Featuring a notably larger wingspan, the aircraft is optimized for improved aerodynamics, a crucial factor in modern aerial combat.
Engineers from BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) are collaborating closely under a collaborative agreement to design and develop the future combat aircraft. Leveraging advanced digital tools and techniques, including computer-based modeling and virtual reality, the team is rapidly refining the aircraft’s design.
READ: Farnborough Air Show: Leonardo unveils improved M-346 trainer aircraft
New fighter jet concept unveiled under GCAP Concept unveiled.
Leonardo participates in GCAP
Guglielmo Maviglia, Chief Global Combat Air Programme Officer at Leonardo, emphasized the program’s rapid advancement. “The pace of the programme is extraordinary,” he said. “Each partner brings unique strengths and requirements, and we are working seamlessly to share knowledge and overcome challenges. GCAP is pivotal for Italy, Leonardo, and the broader Italian industry, representing the future of combat air for generations to come.”
BAE Systems’ contribution to Global Combat Air Programme
Herman Claesen, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. “We’ve been working closely with our industrial partners in Italy and Japan to understand and align requirements for this next-generation combat aircraft,” he stated. “The new model demonstrates significant progress in the design and concepting phase, and we will continue to refine it as we move forward.”
READ: Israeli-German Robot REX MK-II Wins Top Prize at European Land Robot Trial
Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
Hitoshi Shiraishi, Senior Fellow at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative effort. “By combining our diverse cultures, experiences, and knowledge, we expect to achieve exceptional results,” he said. “GCAP will foster innovation within Japan’s industrial sector, driving advancements in digital transformation and developing skilled talent.”
Scheduled for service in 2035, the GCAP combat aircraft promises to be a world-leading platform, boasting an intelligent weapons system, a sophisticated software-driven cockpit, advanced sensors, and a powerful next-generation radar capable of processing ten thousand times more data than current systems. This technological leap will provide a decisive advantage in future conflicts.
READ: DRDO awards multiple contracts to Indian defence startups
New fighter jet concept unveiled under GCAP Concept unveiled.
READ: Circular Economy: Fincantieri, Hera Group join hands for sustainable shipbuilding
The GCAP represents a strategic partnership between the UK, Italy, and Japan, aimed at delivering a next-generation combat air capability through shared military and industrial objectives. The program is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs across the three nations, fostering technological advancements and strengthening national security.
The next-generation combat aircraft developed under GCAP will be known as Tempest in the UK. BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries serve as the lead systems integrators, while Avio Aero, ELT Group, IHI, Leonardo, MBDA, Mitsubishi Electric, and Rolls-Royce assume the role of lead sub-system integrators.
READ: India’s Zen Technologies launches 4 AI based defense systems
