US ready with world’s first sixth-generation fighter, UK, Italy, Japan working on…, China could…

UK, Italy, and Japan are working in an alliance.

New Delhi: Somewhere in 2020, a news claiming that the United States has secretly designed, built, and test flown a prototype sixth-generation fighter jet sent around a shockwave among the big powers in Asia, Europe, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). It was reported that America conducted the test flight under the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme.

It was the B-21 Raider, described as the future of deterrence and the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft to reach the skies, according to the Northrop Grumman Corporation that has been developing it for the United States Air Force (USAF).

America’s 2020 test flight of sixth-generation fighter jet shocks the world

It was a shocking revelation since the development and test flight of a sixth-generation fighter jet was deemed impossible. As for the USA, the last time it carried out an experimental fighter was during the competition for a fifth-generation fighter almost 20 years ago.

Lockheed Martin got the contract and eventually presented F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. Lockheed Martin took over 10 years to put the concept into the physical shape. Not only that, it became the most expensive American weapons programme ever.

Other sixth-generation fighter jets programmes

About three years back, a few companies around the world were reported to be working on other sixth-generation programmes that were presumed to be in various stages of development.

According to SP’s Aviation, “while the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is expected to launch the first flight of its New Generation Fighter (NGF) in 2026 the British-led Tempest is expected to be operational by 2035. Both China and Russia are also believed to be working on their own sixth-generation combat planes.”

Next-generation Global Combat Air Program

Taking it further, the trilateral alliance of the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy has received the nod from London for the next-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). If the alliance sails on smoothly according to the plan, it is very much possible that the trio could unveil the world’s second sixth-generation aircraft.

The GCAP is a multinational initiative, formed on December 9, 2022, led by the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy to jointly develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter. The programme aims to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in service with both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Italian Air Force, and the Mitsubishi F-2 in service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Hurdles and uncertainty

The future of the GCAP was not without hurdles and uncertainty as Keir Starmer sworn in as the Prime Minister on July 5. His government launched the Strategic Defence Review and refused to commit to the GCAP in July 2024. Experts interpreted the reticence to take a firm position on the project as the end of the road for this next-generation fighter program.

Subsequently, Starmer approved the construction of the multibillion-pound fighter jet on November 5, in complete contrast to the fears of him terminating the project altogether. An official announcement will be made in the coming weeks, reports www.eurasiantimes.com.

GCAP continues with visible progress

British Defence Minister Maria Eagle said, “Positive progress on GCAP continues, with over 3,500 people employed on future combat air” adding that the country had ratified the pact for the establishment of the GCAP International Government Organization, or GIGO, which will supervise the aircraft’s development. Japan has also approved the pact, and Italy is expected to do it in the coming weeks, says www.eurasiantimes.com.

The United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy, established the GCAP alliance to combine their resources and expertise and develop a sixth-generation aircraft with cutting-edge technology.

China might spoil the party

Maybe or maybe not they should thank (for the ambitious project) or blame (for the expense and time) China, Russia, and North Korea for the reasons most obvious and the belief that their baby will give them the teeth to at least repel, if not bite and chew any threat from the trio.

If it materialises then the Europe-Asia collaboration will deliver the second sixth-generation aircraft in the world after American B-21 Raider.

Warning: Since China is in the race too, and going by its past records, it would be too early to give the second aircraft to the GCAP alliance.