Rolls-Royce has announced further progress in the development of the propulsion system that will power the future sixth-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
The information comes from the UK Defence Journal website. According to the company, important stages of technological validation have been completed, bringing the project closer to the ground-testing phase of the demonstrator engine.
The progress was achieved through the Orpheus program, a technology demonstrator created to test next-generation solutions. The advances include manufacturing technologies, digital design systems, and new components intended to improve performance, reduce maintenance costs, and increase engine efficiency.
The engine is being developed by a consortium comprising the British company Rolls-Royce, Italy’s Avio Aero, and Japan’s IHI Corporation. The goal is to provide the propulsion system for the GCAP fighter, a joint project involving the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan that aims to bring a sixth-generation aircraft into service by 2035.
According to Rolls-Royce, the milestones achieved reduce technical risks and represent another step toward ground testing of the demonstrator, which is considered essential before the development phase begins for the final engine that will power the future combat aircraft.
“These achievements demonstrate the pace and scale of progress being delivered through Team Tempest,” said Richard Berthon, Director of Future Combat Air at the Ministry of Defence, in a press release.
“From advanced digital manufacturing and flight testing to next-generation propulsion technologies, we are maturing the critical capabilities needed to deliver a world-leading Future Combat Air System for the United Kingdom.”
“The knowledge, skills, and technologies being developed today are not only reducing risk for GCAP, but also strengthening our sovereign air combat capability and ensuring that the United Kingdom remains at the forefront of air power innovation for decades to come,” Berthon added.
The international consortium comprising Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero and IHI announces significant progress against key milestones in the development of the next-generation power & propulsion system for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Read more: https://t.co/CdIVn77J7D… pic.twitter.com/nb7ki7WwMs
— Rolls-Royce (@RollsRoyce) July 20, 2026
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Photos: BAE Systems / Rolls-Royce. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
