Edgewing, the lead contractor and design authority for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), has been awarded a £4.6 billion (US$6.1 billion) contract to advance the next phase of development for the multinational sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
Created in June 2025, Edgewing brings together BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement in a joint venture responsible for delivering the programme’s core design and engineering activities.
The contract, awarded by the GCAP Agency on behalf of the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, spans 18 months and covers the completion of the advanced concept and assessment stage alongside continued detailed design and development of the future combat aircraft.
This follows a previous £686 million (US$908 million) contract awarded in April, which supported the programme’s initial engineering and design efforts.
GCAP Progress
The Global Combat Air Programme, launched in 2022, is a trilateral effort by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter featuring advanced artificial intelligence, digital engineering, and next-generation combat capabilities.
The aircraft is expected to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force service while succeeding Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2 fleet. Entry into operational service is currently planned for 2035.
The programme has attracted interest from several nations, including Canada and Saudi Arabia, which have indicated a willingness to participate by sharing costs and contributing technological capabilities. Despite this interest, the three founding partners have not expanded membership, as Japanese officials have warned that introducing additional participants during the programme’s early stages could affect development timelines.
