GCAP timeline could shrink ‘by a couple of years,’ Leonardo CEO says
Lorenzo Mariani said the sixth-gen fighter could enter service two years ahead of its 2035 target date, but only if some requirements for the "initial version" were altered.
Lorenzo Mariani said the sixth-gen fighter could enter service two years ahead of its 2035 target date, but only if some requirements for the "initial version" were altered.
Clive Higgins told Breaking Defense the firm would likely pitch its experience in sensors and EW, but also saw an opening for drones developed with a Turkish partner.
Official announcements were circumspect about any active role for Ottawa in the sixth-gen fighter program, but that could change.
The acquisition is slated to see up to 24 aircraft delivered to the British Army by 2029.
From potential new entrants to a “bridge” aircraft in the works, here’s what you need to know about GCAP.
Japanese defense chief Shinjiro Koizumi said Canada's new involvement in GCAP was "monumental."
Displayed in a truck mounted configuration at the show, the new MBDA weapon is an upgrade to the company's ground-launched, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and can also be integrated on unmanned ground vehicles or unmanned surface vessels.
David McGuinty said Canada's planned F-35 purchase is still under review and will remain so “until we take the time to get it right for Canadians.”
While Ottawa previously confirmed its first order for 16 Lockheed Martin F-35s, it has spent the last year reviewing its future fighter jet fleet options.
In a joint statement, the 12-member coalition linked the move to America's shifting stance in European defense.
Kyiv has sought more Patriot interceptors to aid in its defense against Russian missiles and drones.
The deal is a first step in Kyiv’s planned ambition to purchase up to 150 of the advanced combat jets, noted Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson on social media.
Beyond top line spending, one of the leading takeaways from the DIP is the clear push to acquire and field autonomous systems, underpinned by a £5 billion investment in the technology, which includes plans for a "hybrid navy."
Courtesy of a £8.6 billion investment in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, the UK is also "renewing" a commitment to build sixth generation fighter jets, under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), in collaboration with Italy and Japan.