Page "Joint Combat Aircraft" Paragraph 2

The JCA programme began in 1996 as the Future Carrier Borne Aircraft ( FCBA ), a replacement for the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier intended for operation from the RN's CVF aircraft carriers.

The requirement for the FCBA was set out in Staff Target 6464 which specified a carrier-borne aircraft capable of air defence of naval and ground forces and self-escorting ground attack.