A full-scale model of GCAP was displayed at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. The lead industrial partners have agreed a joint venture to deliver this capability for the mid-2030s. (Janes/Sam Wise)
The three national industrial partners for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) have formed a new joint venture (JV) to deliver the ‘sixth-generation' future combat aircraft for the mid-2030s.
Announced on 13 December, the agreement between BAE Systems, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC), and Leonardo will see each company hold a 33.3% stake on behalf of the UK, Japan, and Italy respectively. The agreement will now go for approval to the national regulatory authorities before the JV is formally established in mid-2025.
“The new joint venture will be accountable for the design, development, and delivery of the next-generation combat aircraft and will remain the design authority for GCAP for the life of the product, which is expected to go out beyond 2070,” a joint statement from the companies said.
The new JV, which Janes understands has been given a name that is not being announced at this time, will be headquartered in the UK to ensure maximum alignment and collaboration with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) joint governmental office, which will also be headquartered in the country. It will undertake the design and development of the GCAP aircraft and subcontract the manufacturing and final assembly of the aircraft to BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the wider supply chain.
The first CEO of the JV will be from Italy, while the first CEO of GIGO will be from Japan.
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