The three countries of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), UK, Italy and Japan, have unveiled a new concept model of their next-generation combat aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow.

Exhibiting at the show together for the first time, the three GCAP government partners and their industry partners BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) are showcasing the significant strides they are making to progress the delivery of the next generation combat aircraft.

The new concept model on display in Hall 5 features a much more evolved design with a wingspan larger than previous concepts to improve the aerodynamics of future combat aircraft.

Engineers from across BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working together under a collaboration agreement on the design and development of future combat aircraft using a range of innovative digital tools and techniques, including computer-based modelling and virtual reality to evolve the aircraft’s design during its conception phase.

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The combat aircraft, set to be in service in 2035, will be one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets in service, boasting an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors and a powerful next-generation radar capable of providing 10,000 times more data than current systems, giving it a battle-winning advantage.

GCAP is a strategically important partnership, bringing together the governments of the UK, Italy and Japan, and their respective industries, to collaborate on shared military and industrial objectives in the delivery of a next-generation combat air capability.

The programme is hugely significant for the security, political and economic prosperity of each country and through effective knowledge and technology transfer will help to evolve and deliver important  combat air capability in each country, for generations to come.

According to a relevant announcement, GCAP is set to employ tens of thousands of skilled people across the UK, Italy and Japan, growing industrial skills and technologies for the future.

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