Breaking News
Japan, UK, and Italy Accelerate Development of Next-Generation Fighter Jet to Replace F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons.
The defense ministers of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy have agreed to expedite the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet as part of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This initiative aims to enhance cooperation in response to growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The decision was made following a trilateral meeting held during the G7 defense ministers’ summit in Naples, Italy.
The alliance seeks to design and develop a next-generation fighter jet, which is set to enter service in 2035 (Picture source: Leonardo )
Launched in 2022, GCAP's goal is to produce a next-generation stealth fighter jet for deployment by 2035. This aircraft will replace Japan’s F-2s, which were developed in partnership with the United States, as well as the Eurofighter Typhoons, a result of collaboration between the UK, Italy, Spain, and Germany. The trilateral project reflects the three nations’ intent to bolster their defense capabilities while advancing cutting-edge technology to address international security challenges.
The Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) is a wide-ranging international collaboration, bringing together the governments of the UK, Italy, and Japan, along with key defense industry players such as BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan). This future combat aircraft is expected to be among the most advanced in the world, featuring intelligent weapons systems, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors, and a next-generation radar capable of delivering 10,000 times more data than current systems, providing a critical battlefield advantage.
GCAP represents a key technological advancement as well as a crucial initiative for the security and economic prosperity of the three partner nations. The program fosters knowledge and technology transfer while enabling each country to maintain its sovereignty in aerial defense. Substantial investments and strong cooperation between governments and industries will likely generate significant economic benefits and ensure the long-term development of industrial skills.
During the meeting, Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, along with his UK and Italian counterparts, John Healey and Guido Crosetto, also announced the creation of a trilateral government organization to oversee the development of the aircraft. This organization, called the GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO), will be officially launched by the end of the year and will be based in the UK under Japanese leadership. Its primary role will be to monitor the collaboration between Japanese, British, and Italian companies involved in the project.
Private sector companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for Japan, BAE Systems PLC for the UK, and Leonardo for Italy play a central role in the design and production of the aircraft. At the Tokyo International Aerospace Exhibition, a 1/10 scale model of the future aircraft was showcased for the first time under the GCAP program. This demonstration highlights the collective efforts of the three nations to combine their expertise and technology in creating this next-generation fighter jet.
Minister Nakatani expressed optimism about the project’s progress, emphasizing that the establishment of GIGO and a joint venture could lead to the signing of the first contract as early as next year. This milestone marks significant progress, despite concerns raised by recent leadership changes in Japan and the UK.
Akira Sugimoto, the principal representative for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the GCAP program, underscored the importance of this project for Japanese suppliers and the national defense industry. He noted that the development of this joint fighter jet presents a valuable opportunity for Japanese companies to showcase their technological expertise and contribute to producing a high-quality aircraft. Sugimoto added that the project could also enhance Japanese suppliers' capacity to develop equipment and improve their competitiveness in the defense sector.
This initiative comes as Japan rapidly strengthens its military capabilities to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Additionally, GCAP aims to boost Japan’s defense industry, which has traditionally been limited in its development. To support this expansion, Japan has relaxed its arms export restrictions, allowing for the future sale of this fighter jet abroad, as well as the licensing of equipment such as PAC-3 interceptors produced in Japan. This decision also aligns with Tokyo’s efforts to support Ukraine by replenishing depleted US weapons stockpiles following American aid to Kyiv.