Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
Programma aereo di combattimento globale
On 09 December 2022 the heads of government of the three countries (Rishi Sunak for the United Kingdom, Giorgia Meloni for Italy and Fumio Kishida for Japan) released an official note on the Global Combat Air Programme. The start of the development phase is scheduled for 2024, with the flight of a first demonstrator already scheduled for 2027. The final goal is to arrive at having a system ready to enter service (so as to start replacing both the Eurofighter Typhoon supplied to the British and Italian air forces, and the Japanese F 15J and Mitsubishi F 2) by 2035.
From an industrial point of view, the three "Lead System Integrators" (i.e. the leading companies of the programme) should be BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, alongside which numerous Lead Subsystem Integrators should operate, including the Italian MBDA Italia (which will deal with the missile armament sector), Elettronica (which will deal with the part concerning electronic warfare) and AvioAero (which will contribute to the creation of the engine component).
Heads of Government of Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, committed to upholding the free and open rules-based international order, which is more important than ever at a time when these principles are being challenged and threats and aggression are mounting. As the defense of democracy, economy, security and regional stability is ever more important, strong defense and security partnerships, underpinned and reinforced by a credible deterrence capability is needed.
The three nations have a close and long-standing relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. They took the next step in strengthening trilateral partnership by announcing the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), an ambitious project aimed at developing a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.
Through the GCAP, they will further develop long-standing defense relationships. The GCAP will accelerate advanced military capabilities and technological edge. It will deepen defense cooperation, science and technology collaboration, integrated supply chains, and further strengthen the defense industrial base.
This program will produce wide-ranging economic and industrial benefits, supporting employment in Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. It will attract R&D investment in digital design and advanced manufacturing processes. It will provide opportunities for the next generation of highly skilled technicians and engineers. By working together in a spirit of equal partnership, they share the costs and benefits of this investment in our people and technologies. The program will support the sovereign ability of all three countries to design, supply and upgrade state-of-the-art defense air capabilities, with an eye to the future.
This program was designed with Allies and partners in mind. Future interoperability with the United States, NATO and partners in Europe, the Indo-Pacific and globally is reflected in the name chosen for the program. This concept will be at the heart of its development. They share the ambition to make this aircraft the centerpiece of a larger air combat system that will operate in multiple domains. The hope is that the Global Combat Air Programme, and through it partnership in developing respective capabilities, will be a cornerstone of global security, stability and prosperity in the decades to come.
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