Meeting with the media at BAE Systems' assembly plant in Warton, Lancashire, Herman Claesen, BAE Systems' Future Combat Air System Managing Director, called the international export of GCAP a 'key feature' in the wider FCAS effort. "This is a requirement endorsed by the UK Prime Minister in a joint leader statement in December 2022 for multiple reasons. If you look at Typhoon, you forge and encourage and strengthen international relationships through these programmes," he stated. "If we deliver solutions in 2035, we will be the first mover and one of the first western nations outside the US to deliver sixth-generation aircraft.
"We are in the middle of refreshing our export analysis to determine how many we can sell. That is being fed back into a concept phase which is also being done now and then we can offer solutions for export customers depending on what they need. But right now, our focus is on the tri-national requirements," Claesen said before suggesting BAE Systems could expect to sell 'several hundred' platforms beyond sales to the UK, Italy and Japan. "We need to confirm the exact numbers once we have gone through the analysis," he added, before noting that British, Italian and Japanese GCAP variants could be modified for certain international customers.
Claesen also said financial discussions regarding the capital expenditure of each member nation remain ongoing. "This is one of many conversations we are having as we speak. Outline Business Case 2 (OBC2) is next year and we will be seeking another level in confirmation then."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
An aviation photographer's experience at the Presidential inauguration
Witnessing the helicopter formation for the Presidential Inauguration in Pretoria on 18 June 2024 was an incredibly unique and exhilarating experience, an opportunity that does not come around very often.
Jabiru South Africa
Ask the aviation industry about Jabiru aircraft and you will find that they have an excellent reputation.
EAA Chapter 322 Young Eagles 2024
The Experimental Aviation association (EAA) has a long history of engendering the passion for flying amongst its members as well as the youth of the world. EAA is a worldwide organisation with its most well-known event being the annual gathering in Oshkosh for a week of aviation as the largest aviation event in the world at the end of July each year.
Bat Hawk Aircraft
Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, Micro Aviation SA (SACAA M-628) is the manufacturer of the most affordable Rotax 912 ULS powered light sport aircraft in the world.
FK 9 Mk vi - RAPTOR
The FK9 Mk VI has just landed in South Africa.
Sun City plans for sustainable solar energy
Sun City is going to great heights in its bid to one day take the resort completely off the grid. With all available space on the roof of Sun Central now covered by solar panels, the resort lifted its sights to the roof at The Palace and the Sun City hotel.
Belgium chposes Airbus H145M for Armed Forces and Federal Police
The Kingdom of Belgium will procure 15 multi-role H145M helicopters for the army and two helicopters plus three options for the Federal Police. The contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), on behalf of Belgium and Airbus Helicopters.
Maputo airshow 2024 What a treat!
On Sunday 16 June Christine and I returned from attending the Maputo airshow and what a fantastic experience this was not only for estimated 15 000 spectators, but also the members of the media present. As always Brian Emmenis and his team were on top form with a great selection of music. The grand finale with the Puma Energy Flying Lions T6 Harvards was simply beautiful and I saw several spectators with tears in their eyes as they expressed their happiness for the airshow.
Single-pilot operations and lemon juice
Psychology researchers have found that some of the dumbest criminals and the cockiest pilots may have something in common: a hazardous cognitive bias, the Dunning–Kruger effect that hinders self-perception, clouds judgment and leads individuals to overestimate their ability. However, new psychological discoveries may provide a cure.
ExecuJet MRO Services! South Africa Set to Achieve New Record for Airframe Heavy Checks
JOHANNESBURG - ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, is poised to set a new record this year for airframe heavy maintenance checks. The company's previous annual record was seven, but this year it will complete at least 11 thanks to additional work on Dassault Falcon aircraft.
