BAE joins multinational programme to develop next-gen combat aircraft

BAE Systems has become one of three international organisations to enter a Collaboration Agreement to deliver the concept phase requirements of a next generation combat aircraft.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a strategic partnership between the UK, Japan and Italy, which brings together the shared military and industrial objectives of the three nations to deliver a next generation combat aircraft in 2035.

Alongside BAE Systems, representing the UK, the agreement features Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan and Leonardo SpA of Italy.

The Collaboration Agreement supports ongoing discussions to set out long-term working arrangements and maturity of the concept and capability requirements for the next generation combat aircraft.

Much of BAE Systems' work in the air division is carried out at its two Lancashire sites, Samlesbury and Warton, which together employ a workforce of more than 10,000.

Herman Claesen, managing director, future combat air systems, BAE Systems, said: “We have maintained a high tempo of engagement with our industrial and government partners in Italy and Japan since the launch of GCAP.

"The Collaboration Agreement signals the strong alignment across all three nations to meet common goals and objectives on the programme to deliver a truly international, next generation combat aircraft.”

Hitoshi Shiraishi, senior fellow, GCAP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said: “We are truly honoured to be part of GCAP and will bring all of our considerable knowledge accumulated through previous programmes to the table. The Collaboration Agreement is one of the key steps to ensure our mutual success.

"We have already started cooperating closely with our UK and Italian partners and believe that our mix of cultures and diverse perspectives will contribute to the success of this programme.”

Guglielmo Maviglia, director GCAP Programme, Leonardo SpA, said: “This trilateral collaboration on the programme, for the development of a next generation system, represents the flagship of the distinctive capabilities and disruptive technologies that the partners of the three nations will share, in an innovative way, for the success of the programme."