UK, Italy, Japan Join Forces to Develop Next-Gen Fighter Jet by 2035

The UK, Italy, and Japan will pool their resources in a bid to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft and have it in the air by 2035.

The governments of the three countries released a joint statement(Opens in a new window) announcing what will be known as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). It aims to “deepen our defense co-operation, science and technology collaboration, integrated supply chains, and further strengthen our defense industrial base,” with the end result being to, “accelerate our advanced military capability and technological advantage.”

All three countries can expect to benefit from GCAP, not just in terms of military capability, but through the research, investment, and new jobs this project requires. The fighter aircraft will need highly-skilled engineers and technicians, but also hopes to develop advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Although the partnership is limited to just three countries, it’s hoped GCAP will become a “cornerstone of global security, stability and prosperity in the coming decades.” The aircraft will also be developed to ensure interoperability with the US, NATO, and “our partners across Europe, the Indo-Pacific and globally.”

According to the UK’s Royal Air Force(Opens in a new window), the next-gen jet will be enhanced by “a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft, advanced sensors, cutting-edge weapons and innovative data systems.” It’s also hoped other friendly countries will eventually “buy into” the GCAP programme. For now, however, the first deadline is having the development phase established by 2024.

News of a new fighter aircraft follows the US Air Force revealing the first photos of its B-21 Raider strike bomber last week. Both are sixth-generation aircraft, but it seems likely they will play different roles in the next generation of warfare. The UK, Italy, and Japan developing an equivalent to the B-21 Raider would make little sense. Japan meanwhile, may be able to bring something extra to the table as it’s currently developing a combat drone to help protect fighter jets.