What You Need to Know: The British-led Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which includes the UK, Italy and Japan, is on track to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet, with a tripartite government organization (GIGO) to be established by the end of the year.

-The aircraft, initially known as Tempest in the UK, aims to enter service in the mid-2030s, replacing Japan’s F-2 and the Eurofighter Typhoon used by the UK and Italy. The fighter is expected to feature on-demand personnel, an augmented reality cockpit, support from unmanned drones (“Loyal Wingmen”), and possibly directed energy weapons and artificial intelligence co-pilots.

-Japan’s increased involvement is consistent with its military modernization amid concerns about China’s military expansion.

Global Combat Air Program on Supercruise

United States Air Force may be rethinking The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which requires a system of systems that includes sixth-generation manned combat aircraft. However, on the other side of the “pond”, the British-led Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) looks likely. go on your super journey.

Last Sunday, the defense ministers of Britain, Italy and Japan, three countries jointly developing sixth-generation fighter jets and support aircraft, announced that “a tripartite government organization will be established by the end of this year to work with the parties.” “produces the plane” Associated Press reported.

Two NATO members began developing the fighter jet, and Japan joined them, merging with the Mitsubishi FX program. The three countries set a goal in 2022 to have the multirole fighter aircraft put into service by the mid-2030s. It was originally known as Storm The future stealth fighter jet, which is under development in the UK, is on track to replace Japan’s F-2 and the Eurofighter Typhoon currently operated by both the UK and Italy.

All three countries have adopted the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and continue to acquire fifth-generation multirole stealth aircraft.

Enter GIGO

Meeting last week on the sidelines of the Group of Seven defense ministers meeting in Naples, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, UK Defense Minister John Healey and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that GCAP International is part of GCAP International. Government Organization (GIGO) will be established by the end of the year and oversee development of the new generation warrior.

GIGO came first announced last DecemberAt the meeting of partner countries in Tokyo, a target was set to have a demonstration aircraft ready by 2027.

It was announced this week that GIGO will be based in the UK and will be led by Japanese Deputy Minister of Defense Masami Oka.

“We now see the launch of GIGO and a joint venture is on the way for the delivery of the first contracts,” Nakatani told reporters. he said.

From Tempest to GIGO

Many international companies are currently involved in the development of the aircraft and now include BAE Systems, MBDA UK and Rolls Royce in the UK; Italy’s Leonardo; and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The exact capabilities of the aircraft have not been disclosed, but it is likely to be an “optionally manned” aircraft. augmented reality (AR) cockpit and is supported by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones that can act as “Auxiliaries” or “Loyal Wingmen”. There is speculation that the future stealth fighter may be equipped with directed energy weapons. use artificial intelligence (AI), which acts as a virtual copilot, assisting with flight operations and situational awareness.

Great Effort from Japan

Japan’s increased involvement comes as the country increases its military capabilities, including converting its two largest multi-role destroyer warships. to aircraft carriers Capable of operating with the F-35B, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version of the Joint Strike Fighter.

Tokyo, which maintains a policy of strict pacifism, including a clause in its post-World War II constitution, is increasingly concerned about China’s own military establishment.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a writer based in Michigan. it exists contributed To more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites, with more than 3,200 published articles during his two-decade journalism career. He writes regularly about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics and international relations. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Customs Clearance Works. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: (email protected).

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