Global Combat Air Programme
Coverage of Global Combat Air Programme in the Nexus archive.
- Why Japan’s fighter jet future looks ‘more optimistic’ with Canada’s entry
Canada's participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has improved Japan's outlook for its next-generation fighter jet development. Germany is also considering joining the GCAP, which includes Britain and Italy, potentially boosting the project's momentum. Japan views this collaboration as critical for replacing its aging F-2 fleet and avoiding air defense gaps.
- UK pumps £708 million into its future fighter jet
The UK has allocated £708 million to develop advanced technologies for the Royal Air Force’s Tempest fighter jet, part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Italy and Japan. Contracts for a hypersonic target, a 'loyal wingman' drone, and autonomous combat aircraft development were awarded, with Canada joining GCAP as an observer.
- Canada becomes first observer to British-Italian-Japanese GCAP fighter jet project
Canada has joined as an observer to the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a sixth-generation fighter aircraft. Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty signed the agreement with counterparts from the UK, Italy, and Japan, aiming to diversify defense partnerships amid US-China competition in future air power.
- Canada joins British-Italian-Japanese fighter jet project
Canada has been included as an observer in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint British-Italian-Japanese project to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. The initiative aims to strengthen supply chains and industrial collaboration, with the UK allocating £8.6 billion for the project over four years.
- New British prime minister gains early defense win with Canada fighter jet tie-up
Canada joined the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, marking the first expansion of the stealth fighter jet collaboration beyond its founding members. The move aligns with new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's defense-focused government, which appointed John Healey as finance minister to advocate for higher defense spending and secured partnerships with defense companies like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.
- 5 things to know about the UK’s new defense spending plan
The UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) sets a 2.7% GDP defense spending target, falling short of NATO's 3.5% goal by 2035. The plan allocates £297.7 billion over four years, with funding shifts toward Ukraine-related preparations and the Global Combat Air Programme with Italy and Japan.
- UK Prime Minister pledges near $105B defense budget by 2029
The UK Prime Minister announced a near $105B defense budget by 2029, including an £8.6 billion investment in the Defence Investment Plan. The UK will collaborate with Italy and Japan on sixth-generation fighter jets under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
- After FCAS demise, Germany’s options include ordering more F-35 warplanes
Germany's defense leaders are reconsidering options for next-generation fighter jets following the collapse of the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Defense Minister Boris Pistorius outlined three paths: purchasing additional F-35 jets from the U.S., joining an international sixth-generation fighter program like the Global Combat Air Programme, or launching a domestically led program with Airbus. The FCAS failure was attributed to unresolved disputes over intellectual property and military requirements between French and German companies.
- ‘Reality check’ for Japan as Britain’s funding shortfall threatens fighter jet project
Japan's patience with Britain as a defense partner is being tested due to reported funding shortfalls in London that could delay a next-generation fighter jet project. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint effort with Italy, aims to deliver a new fighter by 2035 but faces potential delays as Britain's defense spending plans remain uncertain.