The first joint international contract has been awarded for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) - an international collaboration between Italy, Japan and the UK to deliver a next-generation combat aircraft.

The GCAP Agency, which manages GCAP on behalf of the three nations, placed the contract with Edgewing - the tri-national industrial joint venture set up to lead the design and development of the programme.

The £686 million contract invests in key design and engineering activities and enables the trilateral partnership to build momentum and accelerate pace of delivery.

“This contract is an important moment for GCAP, as activities previously conducted under three nations’ contracts will now be carried out as part of a fully-fledged international programme.” - Masami Oka, GCAP Agency Chief Executive

“The pace at which Edgewing and the GCAP Agency have ramped up, and are now operating, has been made possible through our shared purpose and strength of collaboration. We are proud to carry this momentum forward.” - Marco Zoff, Chief Executive Officer Edgewing

GCAP, launched in 2022, will deliver an innovative next-generation stealth fighter equipped with cutting-edge technologies, supporting sovereign industries across the partner nations to meet global threats.

Edgewing is an international joint venture established by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC). Headquartered in the UK and ramping up to operate in all three nations, the company is accountable for the design and development of the GCAP next-generation combat aircraft and will remain the design authority throughout the life of the product. Edgewing people will carry out highly skilled work in the delivery of the programme, including aircraft engineering, airworthiness and certification.