Opinion: East meets West on Tempest
A rendering of the proposed Team Tempest Future Combat Air System concept. (Image: UK MoD Crown Copyright)
The announcement that Japan will join Italy and the UK in developing the Future Combat Air System indicates a new era of industry cooperation.
On 9 December, a new trilateral kid on the block made waves with the announcement that the UK-led Tempest Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project would be joined with Japan’s F-3 future fighter effort to create a new Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
GCAP is a massive step for the next generation of air power and marks a significant milestone for Japan, working with a partner other than the US on a major equipment project for the first time. For anyone with even a passing interest in the future of air power, the new triumvirate is a reason to be
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory]()
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter]()
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
