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GCAP programme 'well positioned' to develop 6th-generation fighter by 2035

12th January 2023 - 16:30 GMT | by Norbert Neumann in London

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The primary focus in the next few years will be on getting delivery structures set up for GCAP so the partners can draft a development contract in 2025 on a fully joint international basis. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright)

The Global Combat Air Programme partners are confident a sixth-generation combat jet will fly by the middle of the 2030s. Other nations may be able to join the partnership in the future but the 'core club' window is closing soon.

At the end of last year, the UK, Japan and Italy announced a new partnership under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to field a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.

The programme will see work on the UK-led Tempest Future Combat Air System (FCAS), and Japan's F-X future fighter programme come together.

Shephard was invited to a RUSI-hosted panel involving key UK stakeholders from both government and industry to expand on the statement for the first time.

Though Japan’s entry into the partnership was only announced a little over a month ago, the UK MoD said the three nations have

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