Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) partners have unveiled a new concept model of its next-generation combat aircraft.

In December 2023, Britain, Japan and Italy signed an international treaty to set up the GCAP, a next-generation fighter jet programme.

The aim of this strategically important partnership is to bring together the three governments and their respective industry partners – BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) – to collaborate on shared military and industrial objectives in the development of the next-generation fighter jet.

“The pace of the programme is extraordinary, building on a solid foundation and industrial legacy in each country and government-led partnership,” said Guglielmo Maviglia, chief global combat air programme officer at Leonardo.

The initial result of this collaboration is currently on display at this week’s Farnborough International Airshow in the form of a concept model, which features a wingspan larger than previous...