Europe's sixth-generation GCAP fighter makes its maiden flight in five years

BAE Systems believes that Europe's first sixth-generation fighter will be able to take to the air for the first time in a few years. It is scheduled to enter service in the middle of the next decade.

Here's What We Know

The UK, Italy and Japan are working on a sixth-generation fighter as part of the Global Combat Air Platform (GCAP) programme. The project was previously called Tempest.

BAE Systems said the aircraft could make its maiden flight in 2028. It is scheduled to enter service in 2035 along with the Chinese and US next-generation fighters.

Our hero will compete with another sixth-generation European aircraft. It is being developed as part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. Spain, Germany and France are leading the project with Belgium as an observer.

BAE Systems expects the new aircraft to enter service beyond the UK, Italy and Japan. The company believes in the success of the sixth-generation fighter in the export market. BAE expects to be able to sell several hundred aircraft around the world.

GCAP is playing into the hands of competitors with a delay. The FCAS fighter is not expected to enter service until 2040, five years after the competition.

Source: Breaking Defense