It was recently announced that Japan, Italy, and the UK will jointly develop a new next-generation fighter aircraft with a due date of entering service sometime in the mid-2030s.
This new aircraft is set to replace the multinational Eurofighter Typhoon.
Work on the new fighter has already begun and some of the goals for the finished product have been set.
Developers are looking to create a combat aircraft that will provide speed and stealth while utilizing advanced sensors with artificial intelligence that will aid pilots.
Developers are also looking to make the aircraft capable of being flown without input from a pilot.
A section of the Joint Leaders’ Statement claimed,
“As leaders of Japan, Italy and the UK, we are committed to upholding the rules-based, free and open international order, which is more important than ever at a time when these principles are contested, and threats and aggression are increasing. Since defending our democracy, economy and security, and protecting regional stability, are ever more important, we need strong defence and security partnerships, underpinned and reinforced by a credible deterrent capability. Our three nations have longstanding, close relationships based on the shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Today, we are taking the next step in our deepening trilateral partnership. We are announcing the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – an ambitious endeavour to develop a nextgeneration fighter aircraft by 2035.”
Below is concept art published by the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
