The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has unveiled its latest concept model of a next-generation combat aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow.
This marks the first joint public appearance of the GCAP’s three partner nations—UK, Italy, and Japan—alongside their lead industry partners: BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE said in a news release.
The newly revealed concept model, showcased in Hall 5, features an evolved design with an expanded wingspan aimed at enhancing the aircraft’s aerodynamics.
The model reflects the considerable progress made since the programme’s launch 18 months ago, highlighting advancements in both design and technology.
Engineers from the three firms have been leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and techniques, including computer-based modelling and virtual reality, to refine the aircraft’s design during its conceptual phase.
Herman Claesen, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, emphasised the collaborative effort: “In the 18 months since the launch of the Global Combat Air Programme, we’ve been working closely with our industrial partners in Italy and Japan under the collaboration agreement, and also with the three governments, to understand and align requirements for a next-generation combat aircraft.”
He continued, “The new model, unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow, shows notable progress in the design and concepting of this future fighter jet. We’ll continue to test and evolve the design, as we move closer towards the next phase of the programme.”
Guglielmo Maviglia, Chief Global Combat Air Programme Officer at Leonardo, praised the pace and commitment of the programme, stating, “Since the treaty was signed in December 2023, the programme has seen strong commitment from each partner. Each brings different, but complementary, qualities and requirements.”
“We are now working closely together to exchange knowledge, address common challenges, and achieve common goals. The programme is immensely important for Italy, for Leonardo, including our UK-based business, and for wider Italian industry. GCAP represents the future of combat air in a System of Systems perspective for our generations to come,” Maviglia noted.
Scheduled to enter service in 2035, the GCAP combat aircraft is designed to be one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets.
It will feature an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors, and a powerful next-generation radar capable of processing 10,000 times more data than current systems, providing a decisive battle-winning edge.
