Since their inception, fighter jets have evolved with each generation redefining aerial warfare.
Currently, fifth-generation fighter jet aircraft such as Lockheed Martin’s F-35, China’s Chengdu J-20 and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 possess advanced stealth, sensor fusion and networked warfare capabilities. Inevitably, global powers are now accelerating the development of sixth-generation fighters, pouring in time, resources and finances to make these jets a reality.
BAE Systems, in collaboration with its partners, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are actively engaged in this venture, under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). The program is a collaborative venture between the UK, Italy, and Japan, to jointly develop a sixth-generation fighter.
The GCAP facilitates partnership amongst the three nations, attempting to enhance defence capabilities whilst minimising overall development cost. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in December 2023, engineers and policymakers from the three nations have worked together, attempting to align requirements and expectations.
“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,” a spokesperson for BAE Systems highlighted.
The GCAP recently unveiled a new concept for their next-generation fighter at the Farnborough International Air Show 2024, the Tempest. The United Kingdom has committed more than £2 billion, with industry stakeholders contributing a further £800 million. Developed under this initiative, it is claimed that this aircraft will revolutionise air combat with unprecedented flexibility, connectivity and technology.
Since the official inauguration of GCAP, designers from each of the three countries have worked together to harmonise design requirements and integrate new technologies. At the 2024 Farnborough Air Show, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and program managers reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the initial operational capability of the GCAP by 2035. The first test flights are expected within the next decade.
Unlike previous generations, which emphasised raw speed and manoeuvrability, sixth-generation fighters are based upon principles of artificial intelligence driven decision making, covertness and network-centric warfare. According to GCAP, Tempest will incorporate many of these features. For example, whilst current stealth jets have relied on radar-absorbing coating and faceted airframes, the fighters of tomorrow will make use of fluidic actuators and adaptive structures that dynamically decrease radar signatures.
The newly unveiled GCAP model has a more advanced design with an enlarged wingspan for improved stealth as well as aerodynamic efficiency. Changes to thrust and propulsion are also expected with the development of adaptive cycle engines. These engines will achieve enhanced fuel efficiency whilst still providing thrust on demand, they will also allow for more operational flexibility by adapting between multiple power modes in real time. According to GCAP, sixth-generation fights will also receive increased weapons capabilities such as with the inclusion of hypersonic missiles and directed-energy weapons, offering unprecedented precision and lethality.
AI-based threat detection and response systems will reduce pilot workload, enhancing combat effectiveness. GCAP's cockpit will be computer-driven and will enable real-time adjustments of mission parameters and threat data. The rise of autonomous “loyal wingmen” will further transform the dynamics of combat in the skies; sixth-generation aircraft will be escorted by swarms of drones. These drones will be deployed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or kamikaze attacks on enemy targets.
“Tempest is designed to meet the needs of the 21st-century digital battle space. A next-generation future combat air system that will deliver a step change in air combat capability, at the forefront of technology development for decades to come,” A BAE Systems spokesperson emphasised.
Tempest has already achieved a series of key milestone since work began on the project in 2018. Two of the benchmarks in this design are the Flying Combat Air Demonstrator (FCAP) and the Flight Test Aircraft (FTA), both of which are central to the development of the capabilities of GCAP. FCAP is a prototype demonstrator for high-speed flight testing, allowing engineers to test, aerodynamics, propulsion, and stealth capabilities under real-world operating conditions.
As testing continues, success within these areas will confirm that the airframe and propulsion systems of the fighter are viable for full development. Concurrently, FTA is focused on evaluating the sensor integration and communications of the fighter. This phase ensures Tempest can handle and send enormous amounts of information in real-time, a necessity for networked combat. Both demonstrations are significant milestones on the journey from concept to reality.
Currently, a next-generation radar system capable of processing 10,000 times more data than existing systems is in development. Regarding the engine, Rolls-Royce has made significant advancements on an engine demonstrator. Several challenges, however, do persist. GCAP has struggled with the coordination of funds across the three nations, creating unnecessary stalls and roadblocks at critical stages of development. Further, the rapid evolution of anti-aircraft missile defences and electronic warfare capabilities, has required ongoing adaptation and software upgrades.