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 AIR SYSTEMS

FUTURE FIGHTER

The Global Combat Air Programme allows

partner nations an opportunity to develop

th
an exportable 6 gen fighter

- By Atul Chandra

apan’s decision to join the United Kingdom Japan will also, together, be able to amortise the enormous costs
(UK) and Italy in the joint development of of developing an advanced futuristic fighter aircraft by coming
J a next-generation fighter aircraft sig- together. The advanced type is likely to be the replacement for
nals the emergence of a new arc in combat the Japan Air Self Defence Force's (JASDF) F-15 fleet, generating
aviation technology. The tri-nation Global sizeable orders early on in the programme. For Japan, access to an
Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will compete exportable 6 gen fighter aircraft will allow it to benefit from econo-
th
with FrancoGerman and U.S. 6th generation mies of scale, something it has been unable to do with its domestic
combat aviation programmes, but is likely to be aviation programmes, such as the C-1 transport and P-1 maritime
the most exportable of the three. Russia’s ability patrol aircraft, which have been unable to secure export orders.
to develop a 6 generation fighter aircraft is
th
now in doubt and while China could successfully New Partnership
develop and operationalise, such an aircraft, it Japan’s decision to join GCAP in December 2022, is an indication
is unlikely to be exported heavily.
of the tremendous entry barriers that exist for countries that aspire
While announcing the entry of Japan into GCAP, to develop next-generation combat platforms. While Japan has
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was antic- developed advanced defence systems for its military, the develop-
ipated that more likeminded countries may ment of a future combat type, proved a stretch too far and resulted
buy into GCAP in due course or collaborate on in a shift away from its traditional partnership with the USA for
wider capabilities, thus boosting UK exports. advanced combat aviation platforms. Following the December 2022
The combat aircraft developed through GCAP announcement that Japan would join GCAP, the U.S. department
is also expected to be compatible with other of defence and Japan ministry of defence issued a joint statement
NATO partners’ fighter jets. The UK, Italy and on cooperation for japan’s next fighter aircraft stating, “The United
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