The world could have its sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035 if a groundbreaking project comprising the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan sticks to its existing timetable, according to reports.
According to one of the Global Combat Air Program’s industrial partners, despite Saudi Arabia’s request to join the program, the project is on track.
The project, which began in December 2022, called for the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to collaborate to develop the most advanced sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035.
Currently, the most modern fighter jets are fifth-generation fighter jets such as the Lockheed Martin F-35
At the moment, the most modern fighter jets operated by the United States Air Force are fifth-generation fighter jets such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
Herman Claesen, managing director of Future Combat Air Systems, stated that the 2035 deadline for delivering sixth-generation fighter jets is a “fundamental requirement” for the tri-national grouping.
The United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan intend to create sixth-generation fighter jet at record speed by employing new manufacturing techniques
Saudi Arabia has been adamant about being a full partner in the Global Combat Air Program.
However, Japan has objected to Saudi Arabia’s request.
According to the Financial Times, the UK and Italy are open to Riyadh joining the initiative.
The United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan intend to create aircraft at record speeds by employing new manufacturing techniques and digital technologies.
Riyadh has been a major purchaser of combat aircraft from European nations, particularly the United Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is likewise pushing for a homegrown defense industry.
According to the UK defense ministry, the country is “committed to delivering this world-leading fighter jet alongside our partners by 2035.”
“You start to look more at a tiering system or other mechanisms, where at the minimum people could have observer status, all the way to being a full-blown partner,” Claesen told the Financial Times.
GCAP is being developed concurrently with a competing Franco-German initiative dubbed Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which has been hampered by industrial disputes between the partners.