It's officially born Edgewing, the j strategic that will guide the development of the future sixth generation fighter within the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), the trilateral initiative involving Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan. It is formed by three giants of the defense industry: Leonardo for Italy, Bae Systems for the UK e Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Jaiec) for Japan. The JV is equally divided, with each partner holding an equal share of 33,3%.
Edgewing will have Headquarters in the UK and operational structures with joint teams also in Italy and Japan. The project aims to bring the new aircraft into service by 2035, with expected operational capabilities well beyond 2070.
The technological heart of the Gcap program
Edgewing will have a key role in the program Gcap, not only as a leader in the development of the weapon system but also as design authority for the entire life cycle of the product. The program is not limited to the creation of a new combat aircraft, but aims to create a sovereign technology ecosystem, integrated between the three nations, which strengthens their respective industrial chains.
Il sixth generation fighter It will be highly interconnected, featuring advanced technologies in the fields of avionics, stealth, sensors and artificial intelligence, in line with future conflict scenarios and national security needs.
Il Gcap program, born in December 2022 from a political agreement between the three governments, represents a strategic pillar both for the defense and for the economy of the countries involved. In addition to ensuring the technological sovereignty, will stimulate investment, research and transfer of skills across the entire aerospace sector.
The first CEO is Italian: Marco Zoff will lead Edgewing
As part of the agreement that created Edgewing, it was established that the first CEO of the joint venture would have been an Italian representative. The choice fell on Marco Zoff, a long-time manager and already at the helm of the Leonardo Aircraft Division. Zoff brings with him a solid experience in the aerospace and defense sector, also gained in international contexts, and will now be called to lead one of the most ambitious industrial initiatives at a global level.
“We are extremely proud to launch Edgewing at the heart of the Global Combat Air Programme, combining the expertise of the UK, Italy and Japan. We will not just develop a next-generation combat system, but set a new global standard in terms of partnership, innovation and mutual trust. Together we will overcome the current limits, we will promote agility, strengthen the supply chains of individual nations and contribute to the security and prosperity of new generations” declared Zoff.
"We are excited to launch Edgewing, an important step in the joint development of a truly international program: an effective and equal collaboration between Gigo and Edgewing will be fundamental to the success of the Gcap. I am confident that together we can create a new model of cooperation, capable of promoting international integration, mutual trust and a shared commitment to the future” commented Masami Ok, chief executive of the Gcap International Government Organization (Gigo).
