UK Greenlights Sixth-Gen GCAP Fighter Project | CISNewsStudio1s

UK Greenlights Sixth-Gen GCAP Fighter Project | CISNewsStudio1s

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The UK’s Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a collaborative sixth-generation aircraft project with Japan and Italy, received official approval from British Prime Minister on November 5, following months of uncertainty during the Strategic Defence Review led by the Labor government under Keir Starmer. This endorsement places the GCAP as a potential second entrant in the world’s sixth-generation aircraft scene, following the American B-21 Raider, which debuted in 2022 and completed its first flight in 2023. Japan and Italy are expected to ratify the GCAP’s international oversight pact soon, accelerating work toward a projected first flight by 2027 and induction by 2035.

GCAP integrates the UK’s Tempest and Japan’s F-X programs, aiming to enhance defense capabilities against China and Russia. While other advanced air projects like the U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance and European FCAS face budget and coordination challenges, GCAP is pushing forward with the support of 3,500 specialists and continued progress reports from UK Defense Minister Maria Eagle. Although China is developing its H-20, GCAP may still hold a lead in the sixth-gen aircraft race, as experts cautiously monitor Beijing’s advancements.