GCAP: Europe's 'NGAD' 6th Generation Fighter Is In the Works
The Italian Parliament has agreed to support the country's efforts with the UK-led Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). Japan is a third partner in the effort to develop an optionally-manned sixth-generation fighter and supporting aerial systems, including unmanned "Loyal Wingmen."
by Peter Suciu · The National InterestThe Italian Parliament has agreed to support the country's efforts with the UK-led Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). Japan is a third partner in the effort to develop an optionally-manned sixth-generation fighter and supporting aerial systems, including unmanned "Loyal Wingmen."
Rome's support follows that of London and Tokyo, which have respectively ratified the treaty that calls for the co-development of the GCAP. The three partner nations are now bound into the program by law.
"With the approval today in the Chamber of Deputies of the Convention for the establishment of the Global Combat Air Programme, the parliamentary process of ratification and execution of the agreement – signed in Tokyo in December 2023 – between Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom is concluded," Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence Isabella Rauti told reporters following the ratification process in the Italian parliament on Wednesday.
The efforts are being led by the British-based BAE Systems, Italy's Leonardo, and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). According to a report from international military analyst firm Janes, the companies are now in the "concept and assessment phase," which is "due to be completed in the coming months," while the GCAP will soon commence to the next phase.
The sixth-generation fighter that is at the center of the program is expected to enter into service in 2035.
Facing Tomorrow's Threat with GCAP
It was also this week that the Royal Air Force's (RAF's) chief of air reaffirmed that the GCAP is very much meant to address the ever-changing warfare threat.
While speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a UK-based defense think tank, Air Chief Marshall Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the air staff for the RAF, said "We need GCAP," to stay ahead of growing threats from China and Russia. He further emphasized the importance of next-generation capabilities for the RAF, as part of its efforts to maintain air superiority, improve deterrence, and evolve to meet growing threats from potential near-peer adversaries.
He addressed the "proliferation of stealth capabilities" from fifth-generation fighters including China's Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, and Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting Felon) – both of which captured headlines this week for their respective flight demonstrations at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition – but also from other threats.
"[The RAF] needs to be planning for the next generation capabilities. That's why we need GCAP," Knighton added. "Throughout my career, we have enjoyed air supremacy, never mind air superiority, at least above 10,000 feet. That is not going to be the case in the future. It seems clear to me that we are going to have to fight for control of the air."
The air chief also noted that the RAF has spent the last 25 years or more optimizing for the types of conflict it saw in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan.
"We as a service responded well and adapted our systems and capabilities for those wars," Knighton explained, while stressing that the RAF must now refocus for a conflict against near-peer adversaries flying aircraft as capable as what NATO operates, and with pilots that may be as skilled.
From Tempest to GCAP
In 2022, the UK, Japan, and Italy set a goal of having the multirole fighter in service by the middle of the 2030s. Originally known as the Tempest while under development in the UK, the future stealth fighter is on track to replace Japan's F-2 and the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is currently operated by both the UK and Italy.
All three nations have also adopted the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, and continue to acquire the fifth-generation multirole stealth aircraft. But with China making great leaps forward, the GCAP program is looking to ensure that the partner nations are able to retain that edge in the sky.
Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.
Image Credit: Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock. Images are from the Tempest Program.
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