The UK’s most ambitious combat air initiative in decades has taken a major step forward with the opening of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) headquarters in Reading. The trilateral project between the UK, Italy and Japan aims to deliver a sixth-generation fighter aircraft – expected to be called Tempest by the RAF – by 2035.
The new headquarters, based in Green Park, was officially opened on Monday by Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle. She described the site as a “centre of excellence” where government, industry and international partners will combine expertise to advance future combat air capabilities.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Reading Mayor Alice Mpofu-Coles and Labour MP Yuan Yang. Around 100 new jobs are set to be created at the facility in its early stages.
Announced in 2022, the GCAP fighter is being developed to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan’s F-2, bringing advanced technologies such as AI-driven data processing, enhanced connectivity and next-generation stealth features designed to ensure survivability in high-threat environments.
According to government figures, the programme already sustains 3,500 jobs in the UK and supports 1,000 apprenticeships. Around £2 billion has been invested so far, with lifetime programme costs expected to reach £10 billion.
Announced in 2022, GCAP is intended to strengthen Europe and Japan’s airpower while reducing reliance on US-made systems. Key industrial partners include BAE Systems, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd and Italy’s Leonardo.
