BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC) have reached a historic agreement to form a new joint venture company for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), pending regulatory approvals. This collaboration builds on the strong trilateral government, defense, and industrial cooperation between the UK, Japan, and Italy, which was established in December 2022.
The new joint venture will be responsible for the design, development, and delivery of the next-generation combat aircraft. The companies will retain the design authority for the GCAP throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle, which is expected to extend well beyond 2070. Each partner—BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIEC—will hold an equal 33.3% share in the joint venture, combining the strengths and expertise of three industry leaders to mark a major milestone for the international aerospace and defense industry.
Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, commented, “This agreement is the result of an intensive journey made possible by pooling our mutual and shared experiences. This partnership not only enhances our technological capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to global security and innovation.”
He added, “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.”
Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive, said, “Today’s agreement is a culmination of many months working together with our industry partners and is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in this strategically important programme.” He emphasized that the new venture will bring together the significant strengths of all involved, creating an innovative organization that will lead the way in developing a next-generation combat air system, providing high-value, skilled jobs across the partner nations for decades.
Kimito Nakae, President of JAIEC, remarked, “As we now embark on the exciting and important journey towards the success of GCAP, I acknowledge that the way might not always be simple and straightforward. However, I believe that through continuing the strong spirit of trilateral cooperation and collaboration that we have fostered up to this point, we will not only deliver GCAP on time but also at a level that exceeds all of our expectations.”
The new joint venture will operate across all three partner nations, with its headquarters based in the UK to ensure maximum alignment and collaboration with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), which will also be located in the UK. The joint venture will support the cost-effective and timely delivery of the programme, with a target aircraft in-service date set for 2035.
GCAP is considered a critically important programme for the security and economic prosperity of each nation. Through effective knowledge and technology transfer, GCAP will enable the development of sovereign combat air capabilities that will benefit the partner nations for generations.