Fighter Aircraft
GCAP
GCAP, the Global Combat Air Programme, is a sixth-generation fighter programme run jointly by the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, with service entry targeted for 2035. It merges the British Tempest and Japanese F-X projects and no aircraft has been built yet.
United Kingdom|BAE Systems & Leonardo & Mitsubishi Heavy IndustriesOverview
GCAP was announced on 9 December 2022, combining the UK-led Tempest and Japan’s F-X. The partners are BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero, IHI, MBDA and Mitsubishi Electric among the key suppliers. The treaty setting up the GIGO government organisation was signed in December 2023. The concept calls for very low observable shaping, internal weapon bays, an adaptive-cycle engine, AESA radar, AI-enabled mission systems and uncrewed collaborators. No official performance figures exist.
The joint venture Edgewing, owned 37.5 percent each by BAE Systems and Leonardo and 25 percent by Japan’s JAIEC, was set up in 2025 as prime contractor. A demonstrator flight is planned around 2027, and the first aircraft should enter service in 2035. GCAP is meant to replace the Typhoon in the UK and Italy and Japan’s F-2. Japan relaxed its export rules in March 2024, and Saudi Arabia has sought to join but is not a member. Costs are disputed.
Key Specifications
Variants
The GCAP prototype is the technology demonstrator planned to fly around 2027.
The GCAP RAF/RAAF label here covers the aircraft intended for the Royal Air Force and Italy, replacing the Typhoon.
The GCAP JASDF version is the Japanese aircraft intended to replace the F-2.
Operators
United Kingdom
Japan
ItalyFrequently Asked Questions
When will GCAP enter service?
The GCAP fighter is targeted to enter service in 2035 in the UK, Italy and Japan. A demonstrator flight is planned for around 2027, and all dates are goals because no aircraft has been built.
How much does GCAP cost?
The total cost of GCAP is not officially published, but estimates run to tens of billions of pounds and are disputed. The UK has committed several billion pounds to the early development phase.
Is GCAP stealth?
GCAP is designed to be stealth, with very low observability as a core requirement. It is a sixth-generation concept, not yet built, with internal weapon bays and an adaptive-cycle engine.
GCAP vs FCAS: what is the difference?
GCAP is the UK, Italy and Japan programme, while FCAS is the French, German and Spanish programme. GCAP targets service in 2035, FCAS around 2040, and FCAS has been disrupted by disputes between Dassault and Airbus.
Who is building GCAP?
GCAP is being built by BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries through the joint venture Edgewing. Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero, IHI, MBDA and Mitsubishi Electric are key suppliers.
Is Saudi Arabia joining GCAP?
Saudi Arabia has sought to join GCAP as a partner but is not a formal member as of 2026. Türkiye is also outside the programme and is developing its own fifth-generation KAAN fighter.
Latest News on GCAP
October 13, 2026What Fighter Jets Does the UK Have? Typhoon, F-35B and Tempest
October 10, 2026F-47 vs GCAP: America’s Sixth-Generation Fighter and the Tempest Programme
July 25, 2026Defense News UK: Britain Accelerates GCAP ‘Tempest’ Program and Autonomous Integration Amid Shifting Threat Landscape
May 17, 2026What is GCAP? The Japan-UK-Italy Sixth-Generation Fighter Program Explained