BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) have entered into an agreement to establish a new entity through a joint venture for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), pending regulatory approvals.
This agreement is a continuation of the trilateral collaboration in government, defence, and industry among the UK, Japan, and Italy regarding GCAP, which was initiated in December 2022.
The newly established joint venture will be responsible for the design, development, and delivery of the next-generation combat aircraft, maintaining design authority for the GCAP throughout the product’s lifecycle, anticipated to extend beyond 2070.
BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIEC will each possess a 33.3% stake in this joint venture, uniting the strengths and expertise of three prominent companies and signifying a significant milestone for the international aerospace and defence sector.
Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, said: “This agreement is the result of an intensive journey made possible by pooling our mutual and shared experiences. This partnership not only enhances our technological capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to global security and innovation.”
“Today, we are paving the way for the development of a new era in Aircraft Systems and Multi-domain scenarios, fostering long-term sustainable growth for the economies of the involved countries.”
Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive, said: “Today’s agreement is a culmination of many months working together with our industry partners and is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in this strategically important programme.”
“The new business will bring together the significant strengths and expertise of the companies involved to create an innovative organisation that will lead the way in developing a next generation combat air system, creating long-term, high value and skilled jobs across the partner nations for decades to come.”
Kimito Nakae, President of JAIEC said: “As we now embark upon the exciting and important journey towards the success of GCAP, I acknowledge that the way might not always be simple and straightforward.”
“However, I believe that through continuing the strong spirit of trilateral cooperation and collaboration that we have fostered up to this point, we will not only deliver the GCAP on time but also at a level that exceeds all of our expectations.”
The newly established joint venture will operate with collaborative teams in each partner nation. Its headquarters will be located in the United Kingdom, facilitating optimal alignment and cooperation with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), which will also be based in the UK.
Both organizations will collaborate to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of programs, including the target of having an aircraft in service by 2035. The GCAP initiative is of paramount importance for the security and economic well-being of all participating nations. Through effective transfer of knowledge and technology, it aims to develop and sustain critical sovereign combat air capabilities for future generations.
Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
The Global Combat Air Programme represents a collaborative effort among the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter. This initiative seeks to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon currently utilized by the Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force, as well as the Mitsubishi F-2 operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
On December 9, 2022, the governments of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy announced their commitment to create a unified fighter jet, integrating their previously independent sixth-generation projects: the BAE Systems Tempest, led by the United Kingdom in collaboration with Italy, and the Mitsubishi F-X from Japan.
This collaboration was formalized through a treaty signed in Japan in December 2023. Approximately 9,000 individuals are engaged in the programme globally, supported by over 1,000 suppliers from the three participating nations. Of these, 600 suppliers are located in the UK, while 400 are situated in Italy and Japan.
BAE Systems alone employs 1,000 apprentices and graduates on the Global Combat Air Programme. According to the current schedule, the programme is anticipated to enter the formal development phase in 2025, with a demonstrator aircraft expected to take flight in 2027, and production aircraft projected to commence service in 2035.
