Britain Unveils New Stealth Fighter Design

Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) partners the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan – have revealed a new concept model of their next-generation fighter aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. This unveiling marks a crucial milestone in the development of one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, set to enter service by 2035. “Britain Unveils New Stealth Fighter Design”.

The new concept model features an evolved design with a larger wingspan, aimed at improving the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance. The fighter is expected to incorporate an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors, and a next-generation radar capable of processing significantly more data than current systems. It is designed to be among the most interoperable and adaptable fighter jets in the world, reflecting the changing nature of modern warfare.

For the first time, the GCAP partners exhibited together, showcasing the collaborative efforts of their lead industry partners: BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan).

Herman Claesen, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, highlighted the significant progress made since the programme’s launch 18 months ago. The partners have been working closely to align requirements for the next-generation combat aircraft.

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Guglielmo Maviglia, Chief Global Combat Air Programme Officer at Leonardo, emphasized the extraordinary pace of the programme and the strong commitment from each partner. He noted that the collaboration brings together complementary qualities and requirements from each country.

Hitoshi Shiraishi, Senior Fellow at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, expressed optimism about the knowledge exchange and deeper insights expected from this three-country joint development programme.

GCAP is not just a technological endeavor but a strategically significant programme aimed at enhancing the security, political, and economic prosperity of the participating nations. It is expected to employ tens of thousands of skilled individuals and advance industrial skills and technologies across the UK, Italy, and Japan.

The Global Combat Air Programme evolved from separate sixth-generation fighter projects of the participating countries, including the UK’s Tempest programme (unveiled in 2018), Italy’s participation in Tempest, and Japan’s Mitsubishi F-X programme.

Key milestones include the announcement of the merged project in December 2022, formalization of the treaty and establishment of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) in December 2023, expected start of formal development in 2025, planned demonstrator flight in 2027, and target for operational service entry by 2035.

The programme currently involves approximately 9,000 people and over 1,000 suppliers from the three partner nations. BAE Systems alone has 1,000 apprentices and graduates working on GCAP.

There has been speculation about expanding GCAP to include new members such as Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, though each potential addition presents unique challenges. The programme’s structure allows for each nation to handle different aspects of the project, with detailed development and cost-sharing plans expected to be clarified by 2024.

The unveiling of the new stealth fighter design at Farnborough International Airshow 2024 represents a significant step forward in international defense cooperation. As the GCAP progresses, it promises to deliver a cutting-edge combat aircraft that will shape the future of aerial warfare and strengthen the defense capabilities of the UK, Italy, and Japan.