BAE Systems has confirmed that the first flight of its prototype for the future sixth-generation fighter remains scheduled for 2027, as part of the ambitious trinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. The British company recently revealed an image of the final design of the aircraft, which will serve as a key testbed to mitigate technological risks and validate critical capabilities of the air combat system expected to enter service in 2035.
The prototype, which has not yet been officially named—though many speculate it will eventually adopt the name “Tempest”—features a single-seat configuration with twin canted tails, two engines, and a chined fuselage to improve stealth characteristics. It also stands out for its larger, cropped delta wing compared to earlier models, reflecting an evolution toward a design optimized for greater range, speed, and payload.
Although BAE Systems avoided drawing direct comparisons with the future operational GCAP aircraft, experts agree that the prototype will be of considerable size and will incorporate advanced technologies that will guide the final development of the fighter. However, it will not yet include cutting-edge virtual reality cockpits or panoramic displays expected in the final model, as its primary focus is to assess structural, aerodynamic, and propulsion characteristics.
“The prototype is already built up to two-thirds of its structural weight, with the main fuselage, wings, and vertical stabilizers taking shape. Final assembly, testing, and validation phases will begin shortly to meet the 2027 flight goal,” the British company explained. The aircraft will incorporate components from existing platforms, such as the EJ200 engines from the Eurofighter Typhoon, as part of a strategy to accelerate timelines and reduce technical risks.
The GCAP program, managed by the international organization GIGO, represents a strategic alliance of unprecedented scale between the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation air combat system that ensures the technological superiority of these nations in the face of emerging threats. In June, the joint venture Edgewing was officially created, made up of BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co., and will be responsible for the complete development of the new aircraft.
Edgewing’s headquarters will be located in Reading (United Kingdom), with complementary facilities in Italy and Japan. According to announcements, the goal is to reach initial operating capability by 2035, with the system expected to remain in service beyond 2070.
With over 100 simulator flights and more than 300 hours of testing already completed by 13 different pilots, the program is advancing at a steady pace. The unveiling of the final design ahead of the Farnborough Air Show 2024 and the start of prototype manufacturing mark a major milestone in the development of the next-generation fighter, which is set to become the central pillar of air defense for decades to come. This contrasts with the other major European project, the FCAS program led by Germany, France, and Spain.
Germany, Spain, the UK, and Italy are current partners in the Eurofighter Typhoon. However, the first two countries have joined France in developing their next-generation fighter, while the latter two, as noted earlier, have partnered with Japan.
This joint effort between Berlin, Paris, and Madrid has entered a phase of crisis, as France is reported to have demanded 80% control of the project, triggering a conflict of interest with Germany and Spain and casting doubt on the viability of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This situation is unacceptable to Germany, where MP Christoph Schmid has stated, “Germany cannot accept a project where it funds a French aircraft.”
While Germany and France are diplomatically clashing over leadership of their sixth-generation fighter development, the UK is set to lead production of the “Tempest.” This news is likely to be well received by British society, particularly workers in the aerospace sector and associated unions. Just a few weeks ago, controversy arose in the island nation over the purchase of new F-35s from the United States, which directly impacts domestic Eurofighter Typhoon production—and therefore, employment.
*Images for illustrative purposes only
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