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
-
![New UAVs: is the right capability being procured for the British Army?]()
New UAVs: is the right capability being procured for the British Army?
Following the retirement of Watchkeeper from the UK Armed Forces, what drone capabilities will be next sought as a replacement?
-
![Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris]()
Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris
Airbus says it will aim to have a working prototype of the MQ-72C Logistics Connector by the end of the decade as it bids for a contract with the US Marine Corps.
-
![UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training]()
UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training
Funding of £300 million will go towards training personnel on the FIRCTS programmes to meet a growing demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) platforms.
-
![Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement]()
Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement
Poland first issued a requirement for up to 24 helicopters and associated training systems in January 2024.
