GCAP partners launch JV to build Next Gen fighter

Italy’s Leonardo announced today the launch of a new joint venture for the design and development of the next generation combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with partners BAE Systems and the Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd.

The new company called Edgewing ‘will remain the design authority for the life of the product, which is expected to go out beyond 2070,’ according to a statement from Leonardo.

The statement also announced the appointment of, Marco Zoff, formerly the Managing Director of Leonardo Aircraft Division, as the first Chief Executive Officer of Edgewing.

“We are incredibly excited to launch Edgewing at the heart of the Global Combat Air Programme,” said, Zoff in the statement, adding, “By uniting the strengths of our talented people in UK, Italy, and Japan, we are not only delivering the next-generation combat air system—we aim to set a new global standard for partnership, innovation and trust. Together, we will push boundaries, embrace agility, enhance our national supply chains and create a legacy of security and prosperity for our nations and future generations.”

Edgewing will have ‘operations and joint teams working in each of the partner nations and will be headquartered in the UK to ensure maximum alignment and collaboration with the GIGO,’ and the new company ‘will play a central role in achieving the programme’s ambitious goals—including the in-service date of 2035.’

The Chief Executive of the GACP International Government Organisation (GIGO), Masami Oka, said in the statement, “We welcome the launch of Edgewing, which represents an important step forward in what will be a truly international joint development programme. Effective and empowered collaboration between the GIGO and Edgewing will be critical for the success of GCAP. I am confident that together we can establish a new model of partnership that will promote international integration, mutual trust and a shared commitment to our future.”

According to Leonardo, the chair of the board of directors responsible for the management of the company will be rotated between the three shareholders and the Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems Air, Herman Claesen, has been nominated as the first chair.

BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC) each hold 33.3 percent in Edgewing, which will ‘subcontract the manufacturing and final assembly of the aircraft to BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the wider supply chain.’