Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported on October 25, 2026 that Poland has received an informal go-ahead to take part in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, according to Maciej Miłosz. GCAP is a joint sixth-generation fighter project led by Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy, and its demonstrator is expected to fly next year.

What is GCAP?

GCAP is a next-generation combat aircraft program. The article says the planned aircraft will be larger than the Eurofighter, which is currently in service across several European air forces.

Why is this controversial?

Poland is still in the middle of receiving its F-35A fighters. The Ministry of National Defence plans to buy another 32 of the type, so critics question why Poland would need sixth-generation jets so soon. Rzeczpospolita raised this question directly in its report.

What is Poland's current fleet?

| Aircraft | Generation | Status | |---|---|---| | F-35A | Fifth | Deliveries ongoing | | FA-50 | Light fighter | 12 delivered (GF), 36 expected (PL) | | F-16 | Fourth | 47 aircraft, mid-life upgrade planned |

Poland lost one F-16 in an accident before the Radom air show in August 2025.

What about the cost?

According to the report, Poland bought the F-35 under a 2023 treaty with practically no offset arrangement, for just over 6 billion dollars.

For international fans

The F-35 Lightning II is a US-led fifth-generation stealth fighter used by several NATO countries. GCAP is a rival European and Asian effort to build a successor. Observer status does not commit Poland to buying the new jet.