A multinational effort involving the UK, Japan, and Italy aims to introduce a sixth-generation stealth fighter by 2035 under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a strategic response to China’s accelerating defense technology. “This is how we will deal with the future threat,” said Brig. Gen. Edoardo de Santo of Leonardo SpA, Italy’s lead defense partner in the project.

The aircraft, intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan’s F-2 jets, will feature advanced sensor integration, drone command capabilities, and stealth improvements surpassing those of the F-35.

Strategic Stakes and Future Exports

With the UK committing £14 billion so far, GCAP reflects a serious investment in long-term defense capabilities. “Jumping to the sixth generation will not be easy,” de Santo warned, citing the challenge of developing new systems from scratch.

Saudi Arabia is in talks to join the program, and partner nations remain open to additional participants who can contribute significantly. Australia and India are being considered as future buyers of the jet, expanding the project’s geopolitical impact.

The urgency behind GCAP is partly driven by reports that Chinese-made fighter jets were used by Pakistan to shoot down French-made Indian aircraft—a claim yet to be confirmed but one that fuels anxiety over China's growing capabilities.

China's military modernization, especially in aviation, is seen as a critical driver for the timeline and scope of the GCAP project.

Multilateral Innovation vs. Strategic Rivalry

The GCAP, formally launched last year, is the latest in a series of multilateral defense ventures responding to global shifts in military balance. While NATO faces Russian threats in the short term, Asian partners are increasingly preoccupied with China’s rise.

The program not only seeks to counter emerging threats but also to sustain a competitive edge through innovation and international cooperation in the defense sector.