PLAAF J-20s perform aerobatics during an air show celebrating the 70th anniversary of the PLAAF’s founding, in Changchun, northeast China, in 2019
With China behaving increasingly aggressively, the west will have to rely on cutting-edge technology to counter the vast ranks of the Chinese military in the Pacific and beyond

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Chengdu J-20 - КитайChina - 2011

Tempest fighters fly over Pisa in Italy

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAE Systems Tempest - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 2026

This Tempest fighter has just buzzed The Shard in central London

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAE Systems Tempest - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 2026

The current GCAP concept CGI is similar in planform to the original Tempest mock-up, but is much more slender and streamlined, with a shallower nose section than was seen on what became known as the ‘Pregnant Pelican’

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAE Systems Tempest - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 2026

For the UK, Tempest sits at the heart of a system of systems that will include a range of off board sensors, effectors and adjuncts, some space-based. GCAP covers only the manned fighter, meaning that Japan could select different adjuncts and platforms for its combat air family of systems

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAE Systems Tempest - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 2026

GCAP is all about connectivity and electronic attack, promising complete dominance of the information battle. Compared with today’s fifth-generation tactical aircraft, Tempest will be more easily and rapidly upgradeable, better able to produce and share a fused picture of the battlespace and with vastly superior sensors and weapons capabilities

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAE Systems Tempest - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 2026

Tempest fighters captured flying over Japan’s most famous landmark, Mount Fuji

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAE Systems Tempest - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 2026

This infographic shows the ‘headline’ key features of the GCAP manned fighter. None of the features differ from those the FCAS and Tempest have been using since 2018

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAE Systems Tempest - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 2026