Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2024-01-08

Take-off Treaty: GCAP Gears Up for Next-Gen Fighter Jet

In a resounding chorus of support, the powerhouse leaders in global defence innovation —Leonardo (Italy), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), and BAE Systems (UK) —have hailed the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the Global Combat Air Programme  (GCAP) by their respective governments. 
 
Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom achieved a milestone in international defence by solidifying their shared ambition to develop a next-generation fighter jet. On December 14, they inked a landmark treaty. 
 
The agreement marks a crucial milestone in the shared development of a next-generation fighter jet, targeted for delivery by 2035.
 
Signed just one year after the GCAP’s inception, the treaty signifies the programme’s swift progress and unwavering trilateral commitment. 
 
Further Discussions
Representatives from Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and BAE Systems recently convened in Tokyo to hold further discussions on the joint industrial framework for GCAP delivery. 
 
Their September Collaboration Agreement aims to fine-tune long-term working arrangements and refine the capabilities required for the aircraft. 
 
Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “We welcome the agreement signed by the governments of Italy, Japan and the UK, and the continued progress with our industrial partners to advance the future joint business construct that will enable us to deliver the next generation combat aircraft. We’re proud to represent the UK on this partnership, which will deliver a crucial defence capability and help to maintain our sovereign combat air skills in the UK.” 
 
Guglielmo Maviglia, Director GCAP programme, Leonardo, stated: “We are proud to be part of the GCAP along with our partners. GCAP will see the development of an innovative next generation core platform underpinned by advanced and disruptive technology that is charting a transformational new approach to international industrial collaboration. The programme will enhance the competitiveness of our industries at international level and will measure the industrial competitiveness of the entire system.”
 
Hitoshi Shiraishi, Senior Fellow, GCAP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, noted: “Following the conclusion of this treaty, we would like to work even more closely with our partners in Italy and the UK to promote GCAP. We will also work to ensure that GCAP contributes to strengthening Japan’s defence capabilities.”
 
The GCAP announcement also confirmed that the joint GCAP government headquarters will be hosted in the UK and the first CEO will come from Japan. The future business construct will also be headquartered in the UK and the first leader will be from Italy.
 
Transformative Joint Endeavour
The alliance aims to jointly develop a combat aircraft holding immense significance for each nation’s security, politics, and economic growth. GCAP’s focus on knowledge sharing and technology transfer promises to fortify sovereign combat air capabilities for future generations in the three countries. 
 
GCAP is crucial for Italy, Japan, and the UK’s security and prosperity. Its focus on knowledge and tech transfer aims to deliver essential sovereign combat air capabilities for future generations. Over 9,000 individuals worldwide and 1000+ suppliers across partner nations contribute to GCAP.
 
GCAP spearheads pioneering methods in developing and delivering future combat air technologies. It harnesses digital engineering for innovative designs, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and revolutionary wearable tech. These advancements secure GCAP’s position at the forefront of defence technology. 
 
The establishment of intelligent factories bolsters collaborations with high-tech SMEs, employing advanced manufacturing techniques to slash lead times and costs in aircraft production. 
 
The programme is a strategic partnership that is delivering a next generation fighter to protect the skies for decades to come; bringing together nations across Europe and the Asia Pacific regions. 
 
Ground-breaking Features
The forthcoming fighter is set to incorporate ground-breaking features. It will house an Intelligent Weapons System to optimise weapon impact using aircraft-gathered data. The aircraft’s Advanced Digital Cockpit, driven by software, enables pilot control through gestures while offering crucial information via Augmented and Virtual Reality displays.
 
A highlight is the Next Generation Radar, boasting immense data capabilities, 10,000 times more than existing systems, providing a decisive edge in battles. 
 
An Efficient Power system, featuring an electrical starter generator, offers space efficiency and colossal power.
 
A Software-driven system, designed with an open architecture, facilitates swift capability changes tailored for diverse missions. Integrated Sensing combines advanced sensors and communication systems, seamlessly furnishing vital pilot information.
 

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