Mitsubishi F-3 (GCAP)

Mitsubishi F-3 (GCAP)

Type: fighter

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Japan

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Overview

Japan's next-generation stealth fighter being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) — a trilateral partnership between Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy. The F-3 will be a 6th-generation air superiority platform featuring advanced stealth shaping, next-generation AESA radar with integrated electronic warfare, AI-assisted decision making, and a central role as a combat cloud node controlling loyal wingman unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Expected to be powered by the IHI XF9-1 engine producing 15+ tonnes of thrust with variable-cycle technology for optimized performance across speed regimes. The programme merged Japan's F-X requirement with the UK's Tempest programme in December 2022, combining Japanese expertise in advanced materials and radar with British engine and systems integration capability. Italy (Leonardo) contributes avionics and sensor fusion. Target first flight around 2035 with service entry by 2035-2040. Japan plans approximately 90 aircraft to replace the F-2.

Technical Specifications

crew1 (optionally unmanned capability planned)
featuresStealth airframe; adaptive cycle engine; AI-assisted combat management; loyal wingman integration; advanced EW
partnersJapan, UK, Italy
max_speedClassified (supercruise expected)
ioc_target~2035

Operators

Related air Weapon Systems