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UK, Italy, Japan Form GCAP Joint Venture for Fighter Jet, Targeting 2035 Service Entry

Dec 13, 2024, 01:34 PM

The defense industries of Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom have agreed to establish a new joint venture company to manage the development of a next-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). BAE Systems from the UK, Leonardo from Italy, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. (JAIEC), led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, will each hold a 33.3% share in the venture. The joint venture, headquartered in the UK, aims to ensure alignment with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), also based in the UK. The agreement was signed at the Royal Aeronautical Society's headquarters in London, marking a significant step towards delivering the next-generation combat aircraft, which is expected to enter service in 2035 and have a lifecycle extending beyond 2070. The new company will oversee the design, development, and delivery of the GCAP aircraft, with operations and teams established across all partner nations. Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo's CEO, emphasized the innovation and shared expertise driving the programme, while Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems' CEO, highlighted the creation of long-term, high-value jobs. Kimito Nakae, JAIEC President, expressed confidence in the strength of trilateral cooperation.