Aircraft
Global Combat Air Program Builds Momentum
The Anglo-Italian-Japanese sixth-generation fighter program is making strides toward its service entry target for 2035.
GCAP
© BAE Systems

A joint initiative between Italy, Japan, and the UK, the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) is developing a sixth-generation fighter to answer the future airpower needs of the three partner nations and attract export orders. GCAP has made significant progress over the last year, with consortia formed and technology demonstrators in build or modification.

Today’s GCAP has its roots in the future fighter programs of Japan and the UK. Japan initiated the Mitsubishi F-X program to develop its own stealth fighter jet after it failed to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-22 due to U.S. trade restrictions. A desire to create an indigenous stealthy fighter led to Mitsubishi flying the X-2 Shinshin demonstrator, while the IHI Corporation worked on advanced engines.