Deciphering Europe's Pursuit of Sixth-Generation Fighters: Unraveling the FCAS, SCAF, Tempest & GCAP Conundrum

Europe is embarking on a monumental quest to deploy two distinct sixth-generation fighter jets by the year 2040. This ambitious endeavor is a labyrinth of overlapping initiatives, encompassing the UK-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS, and the newly-minted Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – a joint effort by the UK, Italy, and Japan.

The narrative begins with the term Future Combat Air System (FCAS), used by both teams, which has contributed to the confusion surrounding Europe’s sixth-generation fighter pursuits. In December 2022, a new layer of complexity was added when the UK, Italy, and Japan signed an agreement creating the GCAP. This initiative appears to be related to yet independent from the UK-led FCAS project.

The journey towards sixth-generation fighters for the UK was initiated with the Future Combat Air System Technology Initiative, known as FCAS TI or simply FCAS. This was announced during the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review with the intention of utilizing British industrial technologies to develop an aircraft or a set of "future capabilities". The aim was to replace the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons and place an emphasis on international collaborations to leverage global expertise.

Following this strategy, the then-UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson, unveiled the Tempest "concept aircraft" at the Farnborough Airshow in 2018. While the Tempest is a part of the larger FCAS umbrella, it specifically pertains to the research and development efforts towards the future fighter.

In late 2022, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) was announced, involving the UK, Italy, and Japan. This tripartite effort aims to expedite the delivery of a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. This initiative also envisions the deployment of uncrewed aircraft or loyal wingman combat drones, along with the development of new weapons and advanced data systems.

In a parallel trajectory, the Système de combat aérien du futur (SCAF), also a form of FCAS, was launched. This venture involves France, Germany, and Spain and shares similar ambitions of developing a cutting-edge fighter jet to replace the existing fleets.

Despite sharing similar aims of future fighter development, these programs are distinctly separate endeavors. They each involve unique sets of partners, follow different strategies, and are governed by separate agreements. While it would undoubtedly be more efficient from an interoperability perspective for all these countries to work together on one single project, the intricate web of national security interests, distinct operational requirements, and sovereign ambitions have given rise to multiple, sometimes overlapping, development efforts.

This convoluted picture of Europe's sixth-generation fighter development portrays the complex interplay of national interests, geopolitical dynamics, and technological advancements. As each country forges its path in shaping the future of air combat, the landscape of European defense capabilities promises to evolve rapidly in the coming years.