As part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan have announced the creation of Edgewing, a joint venture formed by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. to design and build a sixth-generation air combat system. The project aims to ensure these countries maintain technological and operational superiority in an ever-evolving threat environment.

Edgewing will be responsible for the design and development of the new fighter aircraft, assuming technical authority throughout the product’s expected service life, which extends beyond the year 2070. The core goal of this collaboration is to ensure the aircraft reaches operational capability by 2035, positioning it as a benchmark to meet the strategic challenges of the coming decades.

Edgewing’s headquarters will be located in Reading, United Kingdom, with strategic facilities in Italy and Japan to ensure effective and unified collaboration. Leading this international initiative is Marco Zoff, former General Manager of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, whose experience in innovation and international programs will strengthen the direction of this strategic project.

Managed by the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), the program represents a cornerstone for the security and prosperity of the participating nations, reinforcing each country’s position at the forefront of innovation in air defense. Through Edgewing, technical expertise, mutual trust, and trilateral cooperation will ensure not only the defense of the UK, Italy, and Japan, but will also establish a sustainable growth model for the global air defense community.

Unveiled at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, the design of the future GCAP fighter aims to become a benchmark for the next generation of combat aircraft, achieving a high level of interoperability with other aerial systems and integrating sensors capable of processing up to 10,000 times more data than current radars.

In this context, and amid concerns that the program may experience delays, Japan is considering the acquisition of additional F-35 fighters from the United States to ensure capability coverage during the transition. These aircraft would serve as an interim solution to replace the Mitsubishi F-2 fighters of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, scheduled for retirement after 2035.

At the same time, Japan continues to receive deliveries of fifth-generation F-35 fighters under agreements reached in 2019, with the most recent delivery taking place in May of this year. This strategy ensures that Japan’s air force maintains cutting-edge capabilities while progressing toward the adoption of sixth-generation aircraft.

The creation of Edgewing marks a path where experience, trust, and trilateral collaboration will not only secure the defense of the UK, Italy, and Japan, but will also establish a sustainable growth and innovation model for the global air defense community in generations to come.

Images used for illustrative purposes only.

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