On Friday, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan initiated a collaborative venture aimed at developing a next-generation supersonic fighter jet by 2035, intended to succeed the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The new venture will see Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) each holding a one-third stake, a development described as a significant milestone for the global aerospace and defense sector, as stated in their press release.
JAIEC is a company that receives joint funding from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, remarked, “Today’s agreement represents the culmination of extensive collaboration with our industry partners and reflects the dedication of all those involved in this strategically vital program.”
He further noted that the venture will “unite the considerable strengths and expertise of the participating companies to establish an innovative organization that will spearhead the development of a next-generation combat air system, generating long-term, high-value, and skilled employment opportunities across the partner nations for many years to come.”
The three nations have committed to creating a new entity under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multinational initiative launched by the UK, Japan, and Italy in 2022, aimed at developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter to replace both the Typhoon and the Japanese F-2.
The establishment of the joint venture is anticipated by mid-2025, with responsibilities for the design and development of the GCAP aircraft. Manufacturing and final assembly will be subcontracted to BAE Systems, Leonardo, MHI, and the broader supply chain.
The aircraft is projected to enter service in 2035, ahead of the competing Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project led by France, Germany, and Spain, and is expected to remain operational until 2070.
