Japan has extended an invitation to India to participate in a high-profile international effort to develop a next-generation fighter jet, a move that could significantly impact military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The proposal, made public by a Japanese government source on April 30, 2025, aims to involve India in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint venture spearheaded by Japan, the UK, and Italy to develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035.
The initiative seeks to share the hefty financial burden of the project while strengthening security ties with India, a key player in South Asia. This push comes as part of Japan’s broader strategy to counter China’s expanding influence, though India’s close relationship with Russia and ongoing tensions with Pakistan raise questions about the potential for a smooth partnership.
Launched in December 2022, GCAP is an ambitious project to create a state-of-the-art fighter jet to replace aging aircraft like Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2, the UK’s Eurofighter Typhoon, and Italy’s Eurofighter fleet. The program brings together major defense contractors, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, to design an aircraft with advanced stealth, artificial intelligence, and networked warfare capabilities. With costs expected to exceed $40 billion by 2035, the financial burden is prompting the three nations to consider expanding the project’s membership.
Japan’s outreach to India, first discussed during a February 2025 government visit to New Delhi, is driven by both economic and strategic factors as Tokyo seeks to strengthen relations with a critical partner in maintaining regional stability.
India’s aerospace capabilities and strategic location make it a significant potential partner in GCAP. The country has developed the HAL Tejas, a versatile multirole fighter, which is central to the Indian Air Force. India has also collaborated with Russia on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), based on the Sukhoi Su-57, although India withdrew from the project in 2018 due to concerns about technology transfer and cost.
While the GCAP aircraft is still in the conceptual phase, it aims to push the boundaries of military aviation. It is expected to have a low-observable airframe, advanced sensor fusion for battlefield awareness, and a modular design for future upgrades. The jet will likely be able to carry double the internal payload of the F-35A, potentially reaching up to 10,000 pounds, and integrate artificial intelligence for autonomous decision-making and coordination with unmanned drones.
Japan’s outreach to India comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, with China’s growing military presence causing concern among neighboring countries. Japan sees India as a vital partner in countering China, and the two countries have strengthened their defense ties through joint military exercises like Dharma Guardian and Malabar.
India’s participation in GCAP could accelerate its ambitions in the aerospace sector by granting access to advanced Western technologies, reducing its reliance on Russian arms, and aligning with its “Make in India” initiative to boost domestic manufacturing and technology transfer.
However, India’s potential involvement faces challenges. Japan has expressed concerns about the security of sensitive GCAP technologies due to India’s military relations with Russia. Additionally, India’s ongoing territorial dispute with Pakistan and the strategic calculations surrounding its defense ties with China complicate the decision.
GCAP is not without its own challenges, with issues like the withholding of critical technologies among participating countries and concerns about the program’s collaborative spirit. Nevertheless, the project is advancing, with an international government organization established to oversee development.
India’s aerospace ambitions extend beyond GCAP, with the country unveiling the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Aero India 2025. The AMCA, designed to compete with platforms like the F-35 and J-20, reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. However, the AMCA’s high development cost and timeline make GCAP an appealing alternative for accessing advanced technologies more quickly.
India’s involvement in GCAP could have far-reaching implications for regional security and global defense markets. A successful partnership could strengthen the Quad security dialogue, enhance interoperability among its members, and create export opportunities for countries facing maritime disputes with China. It could also influence U.S. defense strategies, although India’s alignment with both Western and Russian defense platforms might complicate its participation in U.S.-led programs.
As the GCAP moves toward full-scale development, with a prototype expected by 2027, India’s decision will have significant implications for the future of air combat, regional alliances, and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. The decision will hinge on India’s ability to balance its domestic priorities, regional tensions, and global ambitions.
GCAP is not without its own challenges, with issues like the withholding of critical technologies among participating countries and concerns about the program’s collaborative spirit. Nevertheless, the project is advancing, with an international government organization established to oversee development.
India’s aerospace ambitions extend beyond GCAP, with the country unveiling the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Aero India 2025. The AMCA, designed to compete with platforms like the F-35 and J-20, reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. However, the AMCA’s high development cost and timeline make GCAP an appealing alternative for accessing advanced technologies more quickly.
India’s involvement in GCAP could have far-reaching implications for regional security and global defense markets. A successful partnership could strengthen the Quad security dialogue, enhance interoperability among its members, and create export opportunities for countries facing maritime disputes with China. It could also influence U.S. defense strategies, although India’s alignment with both Western and Russian defense platforms might complicate its participation in U.S.-led programs.
As the GCAP moves toward full-scale development, with a prototype expected by 2027, India’s decision will have significant implications for the future of air combat, regional alliances, and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. The decision will hinge on India’s ability to balance its domestic priorities, regional tensions, and global ambitions.
