914 Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)

BAE Systems and Bombardier collaborate on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for a sixth-generation fighter, production of the AI-piloted X-BAT fighter jet is planned for Puget Sound, nine perish when a Learjet 60 crashes in Florida, images have emerged of China’s electric CE-25A commuter demonstrator, a study makes recommendations to reduce the vulnerability of U.S. aerial refueling capability, and Greece signed a contract for three Embraer KC-390s with options for three more. Aviation News BAE Systems and Bombardier to cooperate on next-generation combat air BAE Systems and Bombardier have agreed to identify how they can collaborate on a number of technical areas as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a sixth-generation fighter by 2035. BAE Systems is the GCAP lead industrial partner, with membership from the UK, Italy, and Japan. In July, Canada became the first GCAP observer nation. Under the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU), possible areas of collaboration include systems design and integration, R&#38;D, digital engineering, manufacturing, supply-chain and workforce development, and long-term support and sustainment. Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s executive vice president of engineering, product development and Bombardier Defense, said, “This provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defense programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership.” See these press releases: Bombardier Signs MOU with BAE Systems to Collaborate Toward Next-Generation Combat Air Programs BAE Systems and Bombardier Agree Framework for Cooperation on Next-Generation Combat Air Production of AI-piloted X-BAT fighter jet coming to Puget Sound in 2027 Dallas-based Shield AI plans to build its fully autonomous X-BAT AI-piloted fighter jet in the Seattle area, and the company says it is now hiring thousands. The uncrewed VTOL X-BAT is a mobile aircraft that can be refueled, rearmed, and moved before an adversary can locate and destroy it on the ground. The U.S. Navy has reportedly provided $200 million in funding for the project. U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships already operate smaller Shield VTOL aircraft. Armor Harris, vice president of Shield AI, says the X-BAT costs about a third of an F-35, with the same payload and twice the range, and it can operate collaboratively with other manned aircraft. A key part of the X-BAT is Shield AI’s autonomous software, called Hivemind. With Hivemind, an aircraft can fly and execute missions without human remote piloting. For more, see: <a href="h