The X-2 Paradox: How Japan's Sixth-Generation Fighter Program Went from Pioneer to Follower
In 2016, Japan became the first country to fly a sixth-generation fighter demonstrator, the X-2 Shinshin. Despite this early lead, the nation is now considered nearly a decade behind in developing an operational aircraft. The X-2 was purely a technology testbed, not a production prototype, and the program concluded after 34 flights. Instead of pursuing a solo domestic fighter, Japan chose to merge its efforts with the UK and Italy's Tempest program, forming the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This international collaboration pushes the expected service entry date to 2035, lagging behind the US Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which is anticipated around 2030.
Official Source: https://simpleflying.com/why-country-1st-flew-6th-gen-fighter-now-decade-behind/
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