London: The United Kingdom (UK), Italy, and Japan have announced a major collaboration (Joint Venture JV) to develop a next-generation supersonic fighter jet by 2035. This new jet will replace the Eurofighter Typhoon, which currently serves as a cornerstone of European air defense.
The three nations have formed a joint venture, with BAE Systems from the UK, Leonardo from Italy, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) each holding a one-third stake. This marks a significant milestone in the international aerospace and defense sector, as outlined in a joint press release issued on Friday.
JAIEC, a company jointly funded by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies, will play a key role in the project. Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, "Today's agreement is the result of months of hard work, and it reflects the strategic value of this program for all involved."
The joint venture will focus on creating a next-generation combat air system, bringing together the expertise and resources of all three countries. This partnership is expected to generate long-term, high-value jobs and create skilled employment opportunities across the nations for decades to come.
The new venture will operate under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multinational initiative launched by the UK, Italy, and Japan in 2022. The program aims to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet to replace the UK’s Typhoon and Japan’s F-2. Kimito Nakae, president of JAIEC, expressed optimism about the venture's success, saying, "Although the road ahead may not always be easy, the strong cooperation among our nations will ensure the timely and successful delivery of the GCAP."
The Italian defense ministry has already committed €8.8 billion ($9.2 billion) to the program, though the total cost of the project has not yet been disclosed. Italy's Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, praised the joint venture, calling it "a remarkable example of international cooperation."
GCAP is being developed to address the growing threats from countries like Russia and China. The aircraft will combine elements of the UK-Italy "Tempest" and Japan’s "F-X" programs, aiming to produce a twin-engine stealth fighter. The new jet will feature advanced technologies such as laser-directed weapons, a virtual cockpit, and the ability to operate either with or without a crew. It will also be designed to be more difficult to detect by radar and infrared systems.
One key area of innovation for the Tempest aircraft includes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality, allowing the aircraft to work in tandem with drones for enhanced missions.
The GCAP was showcased at the Farnborough Air Show in July, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the importance of the program for the country. However, Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, questioned the logic of the competition between GCAP and FCAS, suggesting that the two projects may not be entirely compatible.
The joint venture is set to be officially established by mid-2025, with the design and development of the GCAP aircraft moving forward in the coming years.