The companies BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) have reached an agreement to form a new company that will be responsible for developing the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
The programme involves the development of a 6th generation fighter that is expected to enter service in 2035.
The joint venture will have a 33.3% stake held by each partner and will be headquartered in the UK. The companies expect it to be formalised by mid-2025 and will have an Italian representative as its first CEO.
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While the new company will be responsible for designing and developing the stealth fighter, it will subcontract manufacturing and final assembly to BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as well as other suppliers.
Despite the announced organization, new partners may join the group. A few weeks ago, Saudi Arabia was considered as a possible member of GCAP.
The program was officially established in December 2022 after initial studies that began in the United Kingdom with the Tempest project.
“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,” said Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems CEO.
“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,” celebrated Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo.
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.”
