Global Combat Air Program – The Defense Post

Apr- 2026 -

27 April

Air

Rolls-Royce's new additive manufacturing line in Bristol

Rolls-Royce Expands UK Operations With 3D Printing Hub for Military Aircraft Engines

Rolls-Royce has inaugurated a new additive manufacturing line in Bristol to produce key components for next-generation military aircraft engines, supported by UK Ministry of Defence funding.

8 April

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Canada Wants Observer Role in GCAP Fighter Program

Canada has expressed interest in joining the Global Combat Air Program as an observer, giving Ottawa access to sensitive data on the next-generation fighter being developed by Japan, the UK, and Italy.

Dec- 2025 -

30 December

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Japan Affirms 2035 Rollout for Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft Under GCAP

Japan has confirmed its plan to deploy a new platform by 2035 as part of the trilateral Global Combat Air Program with the UK and Italy.

Sep- 2025 -

2 September

Asia Pacific

Christine Casimiro

Japan, UK Forge ‘Golden Age’ in Defense Ties in Series of Firsts

At a time when Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security are increasingly interlinked, Japan and the UK have entered a “new golden age” in defense cooperation.

Jul- 2025 -

18 July

Air

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

UK Unveils Future Fighter Demonstrator With Stealth Design, Digital ‘Brains’

The UK has lifted the veil on a new combat air demonstrator concept, built to test stealth shaping, digital flight systems, and advanced manufacturing techniques for future fighter jets.

Jun- 2025 -

23 June

Air

Christine Casimiro

GCAP Partners Launch ‘Edgewing’ Joint Venture to Design Next-Gen Fighter Jet

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) partners, comprising the UK, Italy, and Japan, have launched the “Edgewing” joint venture.

Jan- 2025 -

10 January

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Boeing to Test Drones for Japanese ‘Loyal Wingman’ Experiment

Japan has awarded Boeing a contract to test aerial drones for the manned-unmanned teaming research and development.

Dec- 2024 -

14 December

Air

Concept of next-generation fighters under GCAP.

Staff Writer With AFP

UK, Italy, Japan to Develop Next-Generation Fighter Jet

The UK, Italy, and Japan on Friday launched a joint venture to develop a supersonic next-generation fighter jet by 2035, replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Oct- 2024 -

22 October

Air

Giulia Bernacchi