Leonardo has announced that the entry-into-service date for the 6th-generation Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter jet could be accelerated from 2035 to 2033…
The new fighter is being developed to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon fleets currently operated by the British and Italian air forces, as well as Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2 combat aircraft.
The programme aims to deliver a next-generation air combat system equipped with advanced sensors, secure data-sharing networks, artificial intelligence-assisted mission systems, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
The GCAP platform is also being designed to operate alongside unmanned combat aircraft and other autonomous systems, enabling coordinated manned-unmanned operations in highly contested environments.
The aircraft is expected to feature a twin-engine propulsion configuration and advanced power-generation technologies capable of supporting next-generation sensors, electronic warfare systems, and future weapon systems. Although performance figures have not yet been officially confirmed, some estimates suggest that the platform could achieve speeds exceeding Mach 2 and an operational range of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 kilometres.
The fighter is also expected to incorporate a multi-sensor fusion architecture that combines data from AESA radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, passive detection systems, electronic warfare equipment, and advanced navigation systems to generate a unified tactical picture for the pilot…