Japan is one of three nations involved in the tripartite Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and this future fighter featured prominently at DSEI Japan 2025, held in Chiba from 21-23 May.
The other programme partners are Italy and the UK. This represents the first time that Japan has collaborated so closely and on such a scale of defence technology with anyone outside the USA.
The single-seat, twin-engine GCAP will eventually equip the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, replacing the F-2, plus the Italian Air Force and Royal Air Force will field it.
Representatives from BAE Systems and Leonardo told Asian Military Review that GCAP is currently in the concept and design phase, although significant amounts of related technology is being demonstrated already, plus digital twin testing is occurring too.
One BAE Systems representative said GCAP is expected to fly in three years’ time. Illustrating the ambition of this programme, GCAP’s development period will be just half that of the earlier-generation Eurofighter.
In a seminar at DSEI Japan 2025, Tomohiro Kawada, Director for GCAP at Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency, highlighted three reasons why GCAP is significant for Japan.
Firstly, it will improve defence readiness, leveraging the technological advantages each country brings. Secondly, GCAP will have a spillover effect for Japan’s economy in general, raising the next generation of engineers and driving wider technological innovation. Thirdly, it will enhance the inseparable security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Kawada noted two challenges peculiar to Japan. The first is that it is 30 years since MHI developed the F-2, so the national aerospace engineering skills have deteriorated. However, mitigating this somewhat was Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) development of the X-2 technology demonstrator.
The second difficulty is that some Japanese companies – including quite important ones – have departed the defence sector because they do not view it as lucrative enough.
In his seminar presentation, Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Air Combat System at BAE Systems, described GCAP “as a paradigm shift in how we deliver a future air combat capability”. He said the project will provide four key effects, the first of which is delivering deterrence.
The second is productivity. “The only way we’re going to deliver this aircraft by the 2035 timescale is by doing things differently, not only doing things differently in the design and manufacture of the aircraft, but also to sustain the aircraft.” These fighters will need to be ready when they are needed, and this requires a robust spare-parts supply chain.
The third key effect of the GCAP programme that Claesen noted is technology. Utilising the digital revolution, GCAP is set to be the most modern fighter in the world. He said technology “has to be a golden thread throughout the programme”. The GCAP has a tight deadline: the design is to be ready for production by 2035.
Finally, the BAE Systems executive concluded, if the consortium gets these first three elements right, then it will deliver prosperity in the industrial, security and political realms.
The next step for the GCAP programme is the forging of an equal joint venture between BAE Systems, Leonardo and MHI, which should occur around midyear. This business construct will allow international contracts to begin being awarded later this year or early in 2026.
Although the programme comprises Italy, Japan and the UK, the three partners do expect export sales that will be driven by friendly government relations.
by Gordon Arthur
