Full-scale model of Britain’s Gen-VI Tempest fighter jet (File photo)
The UK, Italy and Japan recently issued a joint statement announcing their plan to co-develop the next-generation fighter jet. The three countries will combine the UK-led Tempest fighter jet program with Japan’s F-X new-generation fighter jet program as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with R&D scheduled to be completed by 2035.
英国、意大利和日本近日发表联合声明，宣布将共同研发下一代战斗机，把由英国主导的“暴风雨”六代机项目与日本的F-X新一代战机项目结合起来，打造“全球空中作战计划”（GCAP）项目，计划2035年前完成研发。
According to military observer Teng Jianqun, since there are no global standards for Gen-VI fighter jet yet, the three countries will likely focus on engine technology, unmanned combat capability, and other aspects leveraged on their complementary strengths. The so-called “Gen-VI” aircraft is basically a development over the Gen-V fighter jet with extended performance in, for instance, hypersonic cruise, stealth, and unmanned combat. The biggest progress may be in engine technology – the variable cycle engine to be exact, which enables fighter jet to cruise at different speeds and states.
军事观察员滕建群分析认为，从英国、日本和意大利的初步设想来看，在目前国际上对第六代战机无明确标准的情况下，英、意、日三国将通过优势互补，在发动机技术、无人作战能力等方面重点发力。其口中的“六代机”基本是在五代机的基础上进行性能延展，如超音速巡航、隐身、无人作战能力等，其中最大的进步可能是发动机技术，比如采用变循环发动机，可以使战斗机在不同的速度和状态下进行巡航。
The UK-led Gen-VI Tempest program used to have two partners – Italy and Sweden, but the three of them fell out because of cost splitting and other issues. Later the UK and Italy announced that they will cooperate with Japan in developing the Tempest, while Sweden is no longer in the game.
在此前由英国主导、意大利和瑞典参与的“暴风雨”六代机项目中，三国曾因成本分摊等问题出现分歧。随后，英国、意大利宣布与日本合作研发六代机，曾经的伙伴瑞典没再出现在合作名单上。
The decision to work with Japan is a step to intensify the trilateral defense relation and stall America’s military penetration, said Teng. On the one hand, both Japan and the UK have the technology to develop the next-generation fighter jet; on the other hand, post-Brexit London has been looking for new partners and Japan is a top choice – the two countries previously had the diplomatic and defense “2+2” dialogue and signed a free trade agreement. Furthermore, all three countries had a mind to pull together to shake off America’s control.
对此,滕建群认为，英国、意大利选择与日本合作，是想借此强化三国之间的防务关系，“抱团”阻止美国的军事渗透。英国、意大利和日本合作，一方面是出于技术层面的考虑，日英两国都有相关技术积累。另一方面，英国“脱欧”后也在寻找新的“伙伴”，日本成为了首选——两国此前曾举行过外交防务“2+2”对话会，并签署了自贸协定。此外，英、意、日三国合作，也有“强强联合”、摆脱美国控制之意。
It is reported that the Tempest program is the first time that Japan works with countries other than the US to develop a major piece of defense equipment. The Pentagon issued a statement expressing its support of the cooperation, but Teng said America’s support should only be taken at face value, just like what it did with Japan’s Shinshin fighter program years ago. All the US thinks about is its own business interests and domination in the global arms market.
据报道，此次与英国、意大利合作，是日本首次与美国以外的国家共同开发重大防卫装备。美国五角大楼对此曾发表声明表示支持。滕建群表示，美国的“支持”一贯口是心非，就像当初美国破坏日本的“心神”战机项目一样，美国考虑的是自身的商业利益，维护的是其在世界军品市场的霸主地位。
The UK, Italy and Japan have some technological advantages in their joint development of new-generation fighter jet, Teng reckoned, and the curtain on the Gen-VI fighter jet competition is lifted worldwide.
滕建群认为，英国、意大利、日本三国联合研制新一代战斗机，应该说有一定的技术优势。六代战机的竞争序幕，已经在全球范围内拉开。
Editor's note: Originally published on military.cnr.cn, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
