Edgewing has secured a multibillion-dollar contract to advance the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The deal marks a major milestone in the joint military aviation project.
The British-Italian-Japanese consortium announced that the contract is valued at £4.6 billion (around $6.1 billion). It will fund the next phase of design and development work for the advanced combat aircraft.
The agreement builds on earlier cooperation between the three countries to produce a next-generation stealth fighter.
The contract will support completion of the advanced development and concept evaluation stage. After this phase, the project will shift into detailed design and engineering.
Officials say the program aims to deliver a cutting-edge fighter aircraft by 2035. The jet is expected to feature advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and next-generation combat systems.
The GCAP initiative was launched in 2022 to strengthen long-term air combat capabilities among partner nations.
Edgewing is a joint venture between BAE Systems, Leonardo, and the Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. (JAIEC). The company is leading the development effort under GCAP.
Other major industry players, including Rolls-Royce and IHI Corporation, are also contributing to engine development and related systems.
Each participating country is expected to adapt the aircraft to its own operational needs, including radar systems and weapons configurations.
The project is designed to ensure air superiority in increasingly complex modern combat environments. Developers say the aircraft will integrate advanced technologies for future battlefield dominance.
The GCAP program represents one of the most significant defence collaborations between Europe and Japan. It also reflects growing investment in next-generation military aviation.
Further development phases are expected to continue through the decade leading up to the planned 2035 delivery timeline.
