July 26, 2024 marked the end of the 5-day Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), which is held every two years, bringing together experts from the aviation and defense industries. It is one of the most important events in the aviation industry calendar, attracting representatives of companies from around the world and numerous government delegations.

The event’s schedule included air shows and exhibitions featuring a variety of machines – from passenger aircraft to helicopters to modern fighter planes. This year’s FIA themes were space, defense, sustainability, innovation, the future of aviation and personnel training.

One of the most anticipated moments of this year’s FIA was the presentation of a concept model of a next-generation combat aircraft developed under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). The program is the fruit of a collaboration between three key players: the UK’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. GCAP aims to replace current fighter aircraft and enhance the defense capabilities of the UK, Italy and Japan. The program focuses on developing an advanced air combat system that will find application not only in aviation, but also in integrated battlefield management systems using artificial intelligence and stealth technology. The model unveiled at FIA 2024 featured an advanced design, larger wings and improved aerodynamics compared to previous designs.

GCAP is one of the key programs in the defense strategy of Europe and Asia. It also includes significant investment in research and development to bring to market a combat aircraft capable of operations in the harsh conditions of future armed conflicts. The program also involves the development of new technologies such as advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems and autonomous combat systems. The project lays the foundation for the future defense capabilities of the countries involved, and its implementation is being closely followed by arms industry experts and analysts around the world.

One of the companies presenting the GCAP project was Leonardo, a global industrial group founded in 1948 that operates in the aerospace, defense and security sectors. During FIA 2024, Leonardo also displayed several of its flagship aircraft, including the AW149 helicopter, the AWHERO helicopter UAV, the FALCO EVO UAV, the M-346FA light combat fighter aircraft, the LEOSS S turret system and the GABBIANO radar. The exhibition of these aircraft underscored Leonardo’s commitment to the development of modern aerospace and defense technologies, which play a key role in ensuring security in an increasingly complex global environment.

During the event, Leonardo and Italy’s Center for Aeronautical and Space Research (CIRA) renewed a framework agreement for cooperation in research and development activities. The agreement aims to strengthen joint activities in the aerospace sectors, focusing on the development of advanced technologies and innovative solutions. The parties pledged to cooperate in using CIRA’s advanced infrastructure to carry out Leonardo’s R&D projects. The cooperation is seen as a key element of the Italian aerospace industry’s strategy, which relies on innovation and the development of new technologies to remain competitive in the global market.

The Farnborough International Airshow 2024 was therefore not only an opportunity to showcase the latest technological developments, but also a platform to strengthen international cooperation and discuss future challenges in the aerospace and defense industry. The event confirmed that innovation, sustainability and international cooperation remain key priorities for companies and governments involved in the development of modern defense systems.

Tekst powstał w ramach realizacji zadania publicznego zleconego w ramach Rządowego Programu Rozwoju Organizacji Obywatelskich na lata 2018–2030 r. „Bezpieczna Polska jutra – rozwój działań misyjnych Alioth Foundation”.

Fot. Leonardo Press Release (https://www.leonardo.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/22-07-2024-global-combat-air-programme-partners-unveil-new-concept-model-of-next-generation-combat-aircraft)