Japan, India Join Forces on Next-Gen Fighter

Japan has extended an invitation to India to join a high-stakes international partnership to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft, a step that could reshape Indo-Pacific military balances.

The invitation, which was revealed by a Japanese government source on April 30, 2025, is for India to join the Global Combat Air Program [GCAP], a trilateral program led by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy to develop sixth-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.

The programme aims to distribute the substantial financial burden of the project and enhance security cooperation with India, a significant South Asian country.

Japan’s strategic outreach aims to counter China’s growing influence, yet the alliance’s long-term viability remains uncertain due to India’s complex relations with Russia and ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

The GCAP, which was formally launched in December 2022, is an ambitious project to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft that will succeed older aircraft like Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2, the UK’s Eurofighter Typhoon, and Italy’s Eurofighter fleet.

The project, which includes top defence manufacturers Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, aims to create aircraft with cutting-edge stealth features, artificial intelligence integration, and networked warfare functions.

Japan’s India policy

By 2035, projections indicate that defence manufacturers will bear the cost, prompting three countries to consider expanding their collaborative efforts.

Japan’s India policy, articulated for the first time during a government delegation’s trip to New Delhi in February 2025, prioritises both strategic and economic interests, with Tokyo looking to enhance its relationship with a country that is considered vital to regional stability.

India’s role in GCAP is significant with its growing aerospace capabilities and geographical position. India has built the HAL Tejas, a light multirole fighter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Its multi-role capability has seen it become a mainstay of the Indian Air Force, with more than 40 squadrons in service today. On order is an upgraded Mk2 version. India has also been able to garner experience in advanced fighter projects through its collaboration with Russia on the fifth-generation fighter aircraft [FGFA] derived from the Sukhoi Su-57.

FGFA Program

The Su-57, which is billed as a stealth fighter, has a top speed of Mach 2 and a range of around 2,200 miles, with thrust-vectoring propulsion systems and an advanced avionics package.

Although India withdrew from the FGFA programme in 2018, driven by concerns over technological transfers and costs, its involvement highlighted New Delhi’s desire to compete in the realm of cutting-edge aviation technology.

The GCAP fighter, at the conceptual design stage, has the potential to establish new standards in warplane aviation. In contrast to fifth-generation warplanes, such as the U.S. F-35 Lightning II, which are priced at around $110 million per unit and designed for multi-role missions, the GCAP fighter is likely to have a highly specialised platform designed to provide air superiority in contested environments.

It will likely have a low-observable airframe to minimise radar detection, advanced sensor fusion for real-time battlefield awareness, and modularity to facilitate future upgrades.

It should have twice the F-35A’s internal payload, approximately 10,000 pounds, made up of next-generation air-to-air missiles and directed-energy weapons.

Network-Centric Warfare

The use of artificial intelligence will facilitate autonomous decision-making and coordination with unmanned aircraft, also known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft, enhancing the effectiveness of network-centric warfare.

The aircraft’s propulsion system, which is under development by Rolls-Royce, IHI Corporation, and Avio Aero, is set to be faster and more efficient, with a target cruising speed of more than Mach 1.5.

China’s J-20, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, has a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 but lacks the networked capabilities and AI integration planned for GCAP.

Japan’s involvement in India takes place in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. This region has become a focal point of interest among global powers, as China’s increasing military presence in the South China Sea and activities on the Line of Actual Control with India are alarming the bordering nations.

Japan, which is the United States’ main ally and a fellow member of the Quad security dialogue alongside Australia and India, views India as a vital partner in opposing Beijing’s power.

Dharma Guardian Army Drill

Recently, Japan and India have upgraded their defence relations through joint military exercises, such as the Dharma Guardian army drill and the Malabar naval exercise, which also involved participation from the United States and Australia.

In 2024, Japan and India held their first joint fighter drill with Indian Su-30MKIs and Japanese F-15s. The event marked growing cooperation between the two nations in air combat operations and defence alignment.

By joining GCAP, India can boost its aerospace goals and reduce reliance on Russian-made weapons. Currently, about 60% of India’s defence imports come from Russia.

India operates more than 250 Russian-designed Su-30MKI fighters and has acquired S-400 air defence systems from Moscow. These deals reflect long-standing ties between India and Russia, especially since the Cold War era.

However, India is now diversifying its defence partnerships by buying Rafales from France and exploring U.S. options like the F-21.

GCAP fits perfectly with India’s “Make in India” policy, which promotes local production and technology transfer. India may locally build the GCAP fighter or key components under this initiative.

IDRW

Despite these advantages, India faces hurdles in joining GCAP. Japan has raised concerns about protecting sensitive GCAP technologies.

Japan worries that India’s use of Russian platforms may expose stealth, engine, or radar tech to Moscow. A Japanese defense official voiced these concerns in an interview with the Indian outlet IDRW.

He warned that mixing GCAP tech with Russian platforms like the Su-30MKI could cause unintended tech leakage. Japan expressed similar concerns when Saudi Arabia showed interest in joining the program. These concerns show Japan’s cautious stance on expanding the GCAP partnership.

In January 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni backed Saudi Arabia’s inclusion to help reduce program costs. Still, Japan’s reluctance highlights fragile trust among multinational defence projects.

India’s regional situation adds complexity to its GCAP ambitions. India and Pakistan remain locked in a tense border dispute over Kashmir. Frequent military exchanges take place across the Line of Control between both nations.

Pakistan operates U.S.-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17 Thunder fighters. The JF-17 is a light multirole jet with a Mach 1.6 top speed and an 840-mile combat radius.

Tailless Sixth-Generation Fighter

If India joins GCAP, Pakistan may see it as a threat and react strongly. This could lead to greater military cooperation between Pakistan and China.

China has already revealed the J-36, a tailless sixth-generation fighter, in April 2025. It adds to China’s modern fleet, which includes the operational J-20 stealth fighter.

These developments push India to upgrade its air force and keep pace with China’s growing capabilities. Yet GCAP itself isn’t free of issues. In April 2025, Italy’s Defence Minister accused the UK of hoarding critical technology.

Guido Crosetto claimed the UK wasn’t fully sharing technology with Italy and Japan. He urged London to stop what he called “barriers to selfishness”.

Britain’s Ministry of Defence responded by stressing GCAP’s importance as a global collaboration. It highlighted the cutting-edge nature of the program’s shared scientific and engineering work.

Despite disagreements, the programme has progressed. The GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) has been set up to manage the project.

BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIE Co.

Furthermore, BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. formed a joint company for industrial leadership. This structure will guide GCAP’s development through shared control and responsibilities among all partners.

Multinational fighter jet programmes have often struggled with delays, cost overruns, and political disagreements among partner nations.

The Eurofighter Typhoon, built by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, faced delays but delivered a capable fourth-generation aircraft. It reaches speeds of Mach 2 and has a combat radius of about 1,150 miles.

Despite producing more than 1,000 jets, the U.S.-led F-35 program has drawn criticism for its $428 billion lifecycle cost. Technical difficulties and limited upgrade control for partners added to the frustration surrounding the F-35’s development. GCAP aims to resolve those problems by giving each partner full control over their aircraft’s upgrades and modifications.

India’s defence ambitions extend beyond GCAP alone. At Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, India, it showcased a scale model of its new AMCA stealth fighter.

The AMCA, a fifth-generation aircraft, is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency under the DRDO. It’s expected to weigh 25 tonnes and fly at Mach 2.15.

AI Features

India wants AMCA to compete with the F-35 and China’s J-20. It will include AI features and can operate with or without a pilot. India hopes to build the first prototype by 2028. The plan shows its deep commitment to self-reliance in advanced defense production.

But AMCA’s $15 billion cost and long timeline could stretch India’s budget and delay results. Joining GCAP may offer faster access to sixth-generation technologies and reduce the financial burden.

India’s participation in GCAP could reshape security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad alliance—India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.—is strengthening military ties to deter Chinese aggression. Joint drills and intelligence sharing have already improved their battlefield coordination.

If India joins GCAP, it could align its air force with both Japanese and Western systems. This step might boost Quad unity but could also provoke China and Russia to respond. They may accelerate their sixth-gen projects or deepen support for allies like Pakistan.

Vietnam and the Philippines

The defense industry worldwide will also feel the impact. GCAP expects to produce at least 350 jets by 2035.
Countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, which face tensions with China, may buy these jets.

The U.S. may welcome India’s entry into GCAP as part of its anti-China alliance strategy. But this move might conflict with American plans for the NGAD program.

NGAD, with its F-47 stealth fighter and drone wingmen, will cost $5.72 billion by 2029. It shares features with GCAP but remains under full U.S. control.

America has shown interest in joining GCAP, especially under the Trump administration. However, Japan’s focus on keeping technological control could limit any U.S. role in GCAP.

Conclusion

The invitation extended to India is a turning point in the changing security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. Japan’s outreach is indicative of acknowledgement of India’s increasing military and economic influence, as well as the necessity of collaborative efforts to tackle regional issues.

However, its way forward is fraught with challenges, both technologically related issues and geopolitical competitions. India’s choice will finally depend to a large extent on how it manages to balance domestic requirements, regional discord, and international aspirations.

With the GCAP entering full-scale development in 2025 and a prototype expected by 2027, the world eagerly anticipates India’s potential to shape the future of air combat.

The outcome would reshape alliances and set the balance of power for the next few decades, but will India’s strategic mind be in sync with Japan’s vision, or will caution prevail in New Delhi?

References 

• Japan invites India to join GCAP
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/India-GCAP-JapanTimes
• GCAP programme overview (BAE Systems)
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/GCAP-Overview-BAE
• India’s AMCA programme at Aero India 2025
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/AMCA-AeroIndia-2025
• China’s J-36 sixth-gen fighter concept
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/China-J36-GlobalTimes
• F-35 Lightning II capabilities and cost
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/F35-LockheedMartin
• India-Russia FGFA history
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/India-FGFA-Exit
• Quad joint military exercises overview
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/Quad-Exercises-2024
• India’s Make in India defence policy
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/MakeInIndia-Defence
• Italy’s Defence Minister on GCAP
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/Italy-GCAP-Statement
• F-47 and NGAD overview
  🔗 https://tinyurl.com/NGAD-F47-AirForce