Leonardo (Italia) Bae Systems (UK) and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (Jaiec) have signed the agreement for the setting up a new company, which marks a step forward in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). The partnerships, subject to regulatory approvals, aims to develop and produce a new generation combat aircraft, combining the technological and industrial capabilities of the three giants of defense. This historic agreement represents the continuation of a trilateral collaboration launched in December 2022 between the governments of Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan.
The new joint venture will be equally divided
La new joint venture, in which each partner will hold a 33,3% stake, will be responsible for the design, development and delivery of the new generation fighter, with an operational horizon that will extend well beyond 2070. The joint structure aims to combine skills unique to each participant, strengthening the aerospace and defense industry globally.
La The joint venture's operational headquarters will be in the United Kingdom, to ensure effective collaboration with theInternational Governmental Organization Governmental Gcap (abbreviated to Gigo), also based in the UK. Through joint teams operating in the three countries, the joint venture will work to meet deadlines and budgets, with the aim of introducing the new aircraft into service by 2035.
According to plan, the joint venture will be established by mid-2025 and will manage the critical design and development phases of the aircraft. Production and final assembly will be distributed between BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and a wider network of suppliers.
In the JV agreement it was established that the first CEO will be an Italian representative.
Technological sovereignty and national security
The Gcap program is not just a technological project, but a strategic pillar for security and economy of the countries involved. Thanks to an effective transfer of skills and technologies, the initiative aims to ensure the technological sovereignty and to develop air combat capabilities that meet the needs of future generations.
Cingolani (Leonardo): “We are charting the course towards a new era”
“Today's agreement is the result of an intense journey made possible by sharing our mutual experiences. In addition to improving our technological capabilities, this partnership also strengthens our commitment for global security and innovation. Today, we are charting the course to a new era in the field of aeronautical systems and multi-domain scenarios, promoting long-term sustainable growth for the economies of the countries involved" commented Roberto Cingolani, CEO and general manager of Leonardo.
“Today's agreement represents the culmination of months of collaboration with our industrial partners and testifies to the great commitment of all those who took part in this strategically important program" - he underlines Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive Officer of Bae Systems – “the new company will combine the significant strengths and excellent expertise of the companies involved to create an innovative organisation that will lead the development of a new generation combat air system, creating skilled, high-value and long-term jobs for decades to come in all partner countries”.
“As we set out to undertake this exciting and important journey towards the success of the GCAP program, I recognize that the path may not always be linear and simple. However, I believe that by persevering in the spirit of solid trilateral cooperation and collaboration that we have developed so far, in addition to completing the GCAP program on schedule, we will lead it to a level beyond all our expectations" he declared Kimito Nakae, President of Jaiec.
