UK, Italy and Japan tie the knot with joint fighter project
A rendering of the Global Combat Air System future fighter jet flying over Japanese skies. (Image: BAE Systems)
Japanese involvement is key to the feasibility of the Future Combat Air System, bringing money and industrial might to the table.
The UK, Japan and Italy have announced a new partnership under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a trilateral next-generation fighter jet.
The announcement follows joint-concept studies by Rome, London and Tokyo launched during this year’s Farnborough Air Show in July.
The deal sees work on the UK-led Tempest Future Combat Air System (FCAS), and Japan’s F-X future fighter programme come together.
The GCAP project will have no lead nation or company overall. The programme will be of equal partnership with BAE Systems heading development on behalf of the UK, Leonardo for Italy and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for Japan.
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