GCAP alliance signs treaty for sixth-generation fighter and establishes UK as programme HQ
The UK will become the collaborative governmental headquarters and industrial hub for GCAP. (Photo: BAE Systems)
Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) nations Italy, Japan and the UK signed a treaty for the sixth-generation fighter, but the selection of the UK as headquarters has sparked involvement and workshare discussions.
Italy, Japan and the UK have signed an international treaty to agree on the development of a next-generation supersonic stealthy fighter, marking an important stage of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
The agreement came 12 months after the three nations established the GCAP collaboration and only three months after the signing of a trilateral Collaboration Agreement to deliver the concept phase requirements of the next-generation combat aircraft for the effort.
Called Tempest in the UK, the ambition is for a sixth-generation fighter to begin replacing the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons by 2035.
‘Our world-leading combat aircraft programme
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation]()
Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation
The initial funds will focus on the foundational capabilities to modernise the attack helicopter, including digital architecture that will allow for launched effects and UAS integration.
-
![USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit]()
USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
