Trio of countries commit to developing next generation fighter aircraft

The governments of the UK, Italy and Japan have formally committed to the shared design and delivery of a next generation fighter aircraft by 2035.

The signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the “Global Combat Air Programme - GCAP International Government Organisation (the GIGO)” took place just 12 months since the formation of the GCAP programme.

The UK's involvement will be led by BAE Systems, which undertakes much of its aircraft work in Lancashire where it employs more than 10,000 workers.

The aerospace giant will work alongside Leonardo of Italy and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan.

The GCAP announcement also confirmed the joint GCAP government headquarters will be hosted in the UK and the first CEO will come from Japan. In addition, the future business construct will also be headquartered in the UK and the first leader will be from Italy.

In September this year, the industry partners announced a Collaboration Agreement to support ongoing discussions on long-term working arrangements and maturity of the concept and capability requirements for the next generation combat aircraft.

Discussions on the future joint industrial construct to deliver GCAP are continuing, with representatives from the three businesses meeting recently in Tokyo.  

Herman Claesen, managing director, future combat air systems, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said:“We welcome the agreement signed by the governments of Italy, Japan and the UK today, and the continued progress with our industrial partners to advance the future joint business construct that will enable us to deliver the next generation combat aircraft.

"We’re proud to represent the UK on this exciting and forward-leaning partnership, which will deliver a crucial and affordable defence capability and help to maintain our sovereign combat air skills in the UK.”

Guglielmo Maviglia, director GCAP programme, Leonardo, said:
“GCAP, which will see the development of an innovative next generation core platform underpinned by advanced technology, is charting a transformational new approach to international industrial collaboration. Through its ambition, the programme will maintain the competitiveness of our industries at an international level."

Hitoshi Shiraishi, senior fellow, GCAP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said:
“We would like to very much welcome the signing of the treaty by the governments of Italy, the UK and Japan. In addition, following the conclusion of this treaty, we would like to work even more closely with our partners in Italy and the UK to promote GCAP. We will also work to ensure that GCAP contributes to strengthening Japan’s defence capabilities.”