Why SCAF and GCAP should seek common ground
GCAP is a direct rival to the other European sixth-gen combat aircraft initiative SCAF. (Photo: BAE Systems)
Can international industrial collaboration to develop common technologies applicable to different future aircraft programmes – like GCAP or SCAF – prevail in the face of politics?
International industrial collaboration to develop common technologies and subsystems that are applicable to different – and even potential rival – aircraft programmes make perfect sense on paper.
Yet can this approach exist in the face of politics and operational requirements that demand a 100% perfect solution?
While Dassault’s independently developed Rafale has proved both successful for its country of origin as well as for export and is intended for service into the 2050s and beyond, the new effort on the block in France is the Système de Combat Aérien du Futur, or SCAF, intended to replace older canard-delta designs during
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![USSOCOM outlines acquisition priorities for FY2026]()
USSOCOM outlines acquisition priorities for FY2026
The service is seeking all-domain autonomous and counter-robotic solutions as well as deep sensing and assured access technologies.
-
![Italy boosts UAV fleet with Jump-20 procurement and ScanEagle additions]()
Italy boosts UAV fleet with Jump-20 procurement and ScanEagle additions
The Jump-20 uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) procurement will replace Italy’s RQ-7 Shadow UAS fleet.
-
![Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise]()
Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise
The February exercise marked a milestone in multinational cooperation with fifth-generational air warfare capabilities, but will it continue considering shifting US politics?
