The organization managing the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has issued its first joint international contract to Edgewing, a tri-national venture formed by Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan to spearhead development of a next-generation combat aircraft. Valued at £686 million ($908 million), the agreement covers initial design and engineering activities and represents a key step in aligning industrial responsibilities among the three partner nations.
Edgewing объединяет leading defense companies, including BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, and was established last year to coordinate and drive the program’s development framework.
GCAP is focused on delivering an advanced combat aircraft by 2035, designed as part of a broader “system of systems” concept. The platform will integrate both crewed and uncrewed assets across multiple domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyber. Its architecture will rely heavily on digital connectivity, enabling seamless data exchange, AI-supported decision-making, and coordinated operations across a network of platforms.
Beyond platform development, the program also aims to strengthen long-term industrial collaboration across participating nations, engaging supply chains, academic institutions, research organizations, SMEs, and startups to support innovation and capability growth.
