Japan’s participation in GCAP.
Japan Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP): Tokyo: Japan has confirmed its plan to deploy a next-generation fighter aircraft by fiscal year 2035, as work continues under the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the United Kingdom and Italy.
In a statement released on December 26, Japan’s Ministry of Defense said Vice Minister of Defense Masahisa Miyazaki chaired the 11th meeting of the Next-Generation Fighter System Development Promotion Committee, where officials reviewed recent progress on the programme and budget planning for the coming years.
During the meeting, the ministry was briefed on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget related to the fighter’s development, along with the current status of design and technology work. Officials also discussed budget proposals and review status for unmanned aircraft intended to operate in coordination with the future fighter, rather than as standalone platforms. These unmanned systems are expected to enhance the overall combat capability of the next-generation air combat system.
GCAP.
The ministry confirmed that Japan, the UK and Italy will continue close coordination to advance development toward the planned introduction of the first operational aircraft in fiscal 2035. The GCAP framework brings together the industrial and technological strengths of the three countries, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems and Leonardo responsible for major elements of the aircraft and its supporting systems.
While the final airframe configuration remains under development, Japanese officials highlighted propulsion as a core element of the programme. The advanced engine under study is expected to incorporate high-temperature materials, new thermal-management technologies and extensive use of additive manufacturing, aimed at improving performance while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
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Defense officials have emphasised that propulsion and power generation will be critical not only for flight performance but also for supporting advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems and future weapons. The engine is expected to enable sustained operations in highly contested environments where aircraft face persistent detection and engagement threats.
The committee also reviewed progress on integrating unmanned systems designed to operate alongside the manned fighter. These platforms are being explored as force multipliers capable of carrying sensors, conducting reconnaissance or supporting strike missions under the control of crewed aircraft. Budget planning and technical studies for these systems are continuing in parallel with the fighter’s development.
Japan has positioned the next-generation fighter as a cornerstone of its future airpower and a replacement for aging aircraft in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The aircraft is expected to operate alongside allied platforms in joint and combined missions.
The GCAP marks a shift from Japan’s earlier approach of pursuing a largely domestic fighter programme. By partnering with the UK and Italy, Tokyo aims to share development costs, reduce technical risk and ensure a high degree of interoperability with allied air forces.
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