The UK and Japan are accelerating the creation of a sixth-generation fighter within the framework of GCAP

Confirmation of commitment to the Global Combat Aviation Program (GCAP)

The United Kingdom and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), promising to accelerate the development of the sixth-generation fighter. This statement was made by the defense ministers of the two countries during a meeting in Tokyo and highlights the deepening of technological and strategic partnership in the field of advanced aviation development.

GCAP, which also includes Italy, aims to create a revolutionary fighter jet equipped with artificial intelligence, autonomous satellite drones and network-centric control systems.

Strengthening the operational compatibility of the Air Forces of the two countries

The joint statement focuses on strengthening operational ties between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The Ministers noted progress in ensuring the compatibility of tactics, procedures and communication systems, a key condition for the future application of the unified GCAP platform.

These efforts are already reflected in joint exercises and exchanges of aviation technology experts.

Joint exercises and preparations for future deployments

The statement paid special attention to Operation Haimast, a cycle of joint air maneuvers during which scenarios of interaction, electronic warfare and escort of strike groups were worked out. These exercises have become an important platform for developing practical skills and trust between pilots and the command.

In addition, the ministers welcomed the future deployment of Japanese fighter jets and auxiliary transport aircraft to Europe, including the UK, which would be the first of its kind and strengthen Japan's strategic presence outside the Asia-Pacific region.

Strategic partnership in the development of new generation fighters

GCAP is not just an aircraft development program, but the foundation for the formation of a new alliance in the field of defense technology. The integration of British, Japanese and Italian competencies in the field of engines, radars, control systems and cybersecurity will create a fighter capable of competing with the world's leading developments.

Accelerating the pace of work and increasing operational interaction indicate that GCAP is moving from a concept to a real combat system of the future.

The US Air Force has confirmed flight tests of the YFQ-42A unmanned fighter prototype

YFQ-42A in the Sky: California Test launch

The US Air Force has officially confirmed that the prototype of the YFQ-42A unmanned combat aircraft has begun a flight test program. The tests are being conducted at a secret test site in California, where flight characteristics, autonomous systems and interaction with manned platforms are being tested. This stage was an important milestone in the implementation of the ambitious Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

General Atomics and the US Air Force: joint development

The YFQ-42A was developed by General Atomics, a leading American manufacturer of unmanned systems, known for projects such as the MQ-9 Reaper. The aircraft was created according to the requirements of the US Air Force as part of a strategy to create "friendly drones" (loyal wingmen) capable of escorting and supporting manned fighters in combat.

This is one of two competitive prototypes under CCA — the second, the YQ-44A Fury, was developed by Anduril Industries.

Key data for the CCA program

According to the Air Force, the YFQ-42A has already provided valuable data on:

• The airworthiness of the platform
• The level of management autonomy
• The possibilities of integration with command systems and weapons

These tests allow us to assess how much the drone will be able to act as an "extension" of the pilot, performing reconnaissance, electronic warfare and even strikes without risking the crew.

The future lies in satellite drones and autonomy

The goal of the CCA program is to create a large number of modular, relatively inexpensive unmanned aircraft capable of operating in tandem with fifth-generation fighters (F-35, F-22) and future sixth-generation platforms (NGAD). Such drones will increase the combat zone, reduce the burden on the pilot and increase the survival rate of the group.

It is expected that the final decision on the choice of the platform and the transition to mass production will be made in fiscal year 2026.

New concept image reveals details of the U.S. Navy's secret F/A-XX fighter jet

The secrecy surrounding the sixth-generation F/A—XX fighter program for the US Navy has eased slightly after one of the key participants in the competition, Northrop Grumman, published a new conceptual image of its version of a carrier—based combat aircraft. The rendering, posted on the company's official website in the section dedicated to naval aviation, shows the front of the future fighter jet against the background of an aircraft carrier deck.

Although the image does not show the wings, tail unit or the full appearance of the aircraft, it provides important design clues: a pointed nose, characteristic fuselage lines, as well as elements indicating low radar visibility (stealth technology) are noticeable. The locations of sensors and antennas are also visible, which indicates a high degree of integration of sensors and communication systems.

Unlike the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program The US Air Force, focused on gaining air superiority, the F/A-XX is being developed taking into account the specifics of naval operations. Its main tasks are strikes against ground and surface targets, fleet support, and operations in remote theaters of war, especially in the Pacific region.

China's growing naval power and the geographical features of the Pacific Ocean require the new fighters to have increased flight range, greater autonomy and the ability to operate as part of a network-centric combat system, including interaction with unmanned loyal wingmen (CCA) and aircraft carrier groups.

Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Lockheed Martin are involved in developing concepts for the F/A-XX. The U.S. Navy has not yet disclosed the full requirements, but it is clear that the sixth—generation fighter will be the centerpiece of a future carrier air group - combining high stealth, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, and likely partial or full autonomy.

Tempest: the British-Italian-Japanese "hurricane" of the sixth generation and the future of the war on AI

Tempest

 BAE Systems, the leading British defense giant, has unveiled a project that could change the face of aerial combat for decades to come — the sixth-generation Tempest fighter. This prototype, being created as part of a large-scale international project involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, is positioned as a real breakthrough in military aviation, but at the same time it causes serious debate about the future of weapons controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) and a new global arms race.

Tempest is not just a new aircraft, but a whole combat system. Its key features are the integration of artificial intelligence and the "Loyal Wingman" concept. AI will assist the pilot in making decisions by analyzing huge streams of data in real time, as well as controlling accompanying unmanned "partners" who can act as advanced scouts, jammers or carriers of additional weapons. Tempest itself is designed to perform missions in both manned and fully unmanned mode, providing incredible flexibility.

Advanced technologies such as 3D printing and digital modeling are used to accelerate and reduce the cost of development and production. This allows for faster testing and implementation of new components.

The main goal of the project is not only to create an aircraft capable of dominating future air battles, but also to transform air warfare methods, making them more networked, autonomous and deadly. However, it is precisely this autonomy that causes concern: where is the line between an AI assistant and an AI killer? Nevertheless, the race for the sixth generation has already begun, and Tempest is one of the main contenders for leadership.

Latest achievements in the field of the Chinese tailless stealth fighter J-50

J-50

Recently, the Chinese aviation industry has once again attracted the attention of military enthusiasts and experts around the world. On April 5, 2025, new images of China's sixth-generation J-50 stealth fighter, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), were published. This happened three months after this type of aircraft was first spotted in the sky on December 26, 2024. Despite the fact that the cockpit canopy is barely visible in the image, more and more evidence indicates that this is a manned fighter jet.

The design of the J-50 is aimed at achieving a number of combat advantages. The shape of the fuselage is optimized to minimize the radar signal. The fighter's design uses advanced stealth technology, including sharp corners, smooth surfaces, and the absence of protruding antennas. In addition, the wings and fuselage of the J-50 are combined into one "flying platform", which further reduces the likelihood of radar signals being reflected. The fighter's engines are also designed to reduce the infrared signal, which is achieved through internal installation or the use of heat shields to reduce thermal radiation.

The nose of the J-50 has an unusually smooth surface, which may indicate the presence of an advanced active electronic scanning array (AESA) or a radar capable of operating in several ranges and providing stealth. Such a radar system is capable of detecting and tracking targets at long range, even in electronic warfare conditions. In addition, the J-50 is likely to be equipped with optoelectronic sensors with a 360-degree all-round view, which is extremely important for modern air combat.

The tailless layout of the J-50 is one of its key features. This design helps to increase aerodynamic efficiency, reduce drag and, therefore, possibly increase flight range and supersonic cruising capability. However, this approach may worsen maneuverability somewhat, but the developers seem willing to sacrifice this for the sake of stealth and other combat characteristics. Along with the J-50, images of the J-36 tailless fighter jet developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group were also released. These two aircraft demonstrated China's accelerated development in the field of stealth and aviation technology.

The appearance of the J-50 marks significant progress by China in developing the sixth generation of fighter jets. It not only demonstrated China's achievements in stealth technology, advanced aviation systems, and artificial intelligence integration, but also showed that China has the ability to develop advanced platforms capable of competing with American sixth-generation fighter designs. With each new detail revealed, the potential of the J-50 becomes more and more obvious, and its role in the future Chinese military strategy raises more and more expectations.