Full-scale model of Britain’s Gen-VI Tempest fighter jet (File photo)
The UK, Italy and Japan recently issued a joint statement announcing their plan to co-develop the next-generation fighter jet. The three countries will combine the UK-led Tempest fighter jet program with Japan’s F-X new-generation fighter jet program as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with R&D scheduled to be completed by 2035.
According to military observer Teng Jianqun, since there are no global standards for Gen-VI fighter jet yet, the three countries will likely focus on engine technology, unmanned combat capability, and other aspects leveraged on their complementary strengths. The so-called “Gen-VI” aircraft is basically a development over the Gen-V fighter jet with extended performance in, for instance, hypersonic cruise, stealth, and unmanned combat. The biggest progress may be in engine technology – the variable cycle engine to be exact, which enables fighter jet to cruise at different speeds and states.
The UK-led Gen-VI Tempest program used to have two partners – Italy and Sweden, but the three of them fell out because of cost splitting and other issues. Later the UK and Italy announced that they will cooperate with Japan in developing the Tempest, while Sweden is no longer in the game.
The decision to work with Japan is a step to intensify the trilateral defense relation and stall America’s military penetration, said Teng. On the one hand, both Japan and the UK have the technology to develop the next-generation fighter jet; on the other hand, post-Brexit London has been looking for new partners and Japan is a top choice – the two countries previously had the diplomatic and defense “2+2” dialogue and signed a free trade agreement. Furthermore, all three countries had a mind to pull together to shake off America’s control.
It is reported that the Tempest program is the first time that Japan works with countries other than the US to develop a major piece of defense equipment. The Pentagon issued a statement expressing its support of the cooperation, but Teng said America’s support should only be taken at face value, just like what it did with Japan’s Shinshin fighter program years ago. All the US thinks about is its own business interests and domination in the global arms market.
The UK, Italy and Japan have some technological advantages in their joint development of new-generation fighter jet, Teng reckoned, and the curtain on the Gen-VI fighter jet competition is lifted worldwide.
Editor's note: Originally published on military.cnr.cn, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
