The development of the new sixth-generation GCAP fighter jet is focused on ensuring versatility in armament and integration with various drone systems. Group Captain Bill Sanders, a key official from the UK Ministry of Defence, emphasized that the fighter should be capable of carrying an extensive range of weaponry and collaborating with numerous “Loyal Wingman” drones. This initiative is part of the collaborative efforts between the UK, Japan, and Italy within the framework of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
During the International Fighter Conference held in Rome, Sanders outlined the necessity for the GCAP platform to feature a weapons bay that can accommodate any armament utilized by partner nations, NATO, and the United States. He stated, “Think about the lessons learned in Ukraine. As you go into a conflict, you rapidly exhaust your stocks and you start to put pressure on the supply chain. What you want in that situation is the maximum ability to be able to dig into the other stockpiles and supply chains that are available.” This adaptability allows commanders in the field to choose from a broad spectrum of weapons, enhancing operational flexibility.
The need for flexibility extends beyond the types of weapons to include the integration of high-cost armaments at the onset of conflicts. Sanders explained that the initial phase of engagement often requires advanced munitions to penetrate enemy defenses. As these defenses weaken, there is an opportunity to transition to less expensive, unguided bombs. “If we keep on using the most expensive weapons throughout the conflict, the cost per kill, the cost per engagement is not sustainable,” he noted. A flexible weapons bay allows for strategic selection based on cost-effectiveness.
In addition to armament versatility, the GCAP must be compatible with various Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Sanders remarked, “You have to be in a situation where, just like the weapons, the GCAP can work with what it finds. It’s no mean feat.” This compatibility is viewed as essential for maximizing operational efficiency and effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.
Analyst Douglas Barrie, a senior fellow for military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, echoed the importance of developing a fighter capable of integrating with different CCAs. He indicated that while the UK, Japan, and Italy may each have their proprietary CCA systems, the current trend shows a preference for independent development. “Whether they eventually coalesce around a shared platform is an interesting question, but at the moment they seem to be going independently because it gives you more choice, more flexibility,” Barrie explained.
The theme of Collaborative Combat Aircraft was prominent throughout the conference. Turkish officials discussed potential strategies for pairing a CCA with the twenty Eurofighters that Turkey recently agreed to purchase. Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, CEO of Eurofighter, raised concerns regarding the complexities of adapting the fighter to work with multiple CCAs chosen by different nations. “Can we develop CCA integration in different configurations in different countries? We cannot do everything at the same time. We don’t have infinite resources,” he stated.
As the GCAP program advances, the emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in armament and drone integration will likely shape the future of air combat. The ability to respond dynamically to evolving military needs is becoming increasingly crucial in the context of modern warfare.
