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BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (Japan) have officially launched Edgewing, a joint venture uniting global aerospace leaders to deliver the next-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).
Edgewing will serve as the enduring design authority for the next-generation fighter, with its service life expected to extend well beyond 2070. The program aims to deliver the first operational aircraft by 2035, with Edgewing set to play a central role in reaching this milestone.
The entity will lead the design and development of a sixth-generation combat aircraft under GCAP. This formalisation marks a major step forward for GCAP, a trilateral defence initiative launched in 2022 that seeks to deepen industrial and strategic ties between Europe and Asia.
The program builds on the UK’s Tempest concept and Japan’s F-X fighter program, merging cutting-edge technologies and experience to create a future air combat capability that can operate in highly contested environments.
GCAP is not only seen as a response to evolving strategic threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions, but also as a platform to strengthen sovereign industrial capacity, enhance technological interoperability among allies and deliver long-term economic benefit to all three nations.
Marco Zoff, previously managing director of Leonardo’s aircraft division, has been appointed as Edgewing’s first chief executive officer. With decades of leadership experience in cross-border aerospace ventures, Zoff is tasked with aligning efforts across the UK, Italy and Japan while nurturing innovation and collaboration.
“We are incredibly excited to launch Edgewing at the heart of the Global Combat Air Program,” Zoff said.
“By uniting the strengths of our talented people in the UK, Italy and Japan, we are not only delivering the next-generation combat air system – we aim to set a new global standard for partnership, innovation and trust. Together, we will push boundaries, embrace agility, enhance our national supply chains and create a legacy of security and prosperity for our nations and future generations.”
Masami Oka, chief executive of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), welcomed the formation of Edgewing, describing it as a critical enabler for the program’s success.
“We welcome the launch of Edgewing, which represents an important step forward in what will be a truly international joint development program,” Oka said.
“Effective and empowered collaboration between GIGO and Edgewing will be critical for the success of GCAP. I am confident that together, we can establish a new model of partnership that will promote international integration, mutual trust and a shared commitment to our future.”
Edgewing will be headquartered in the United Kingdom and supported by integrated teams and operations across all three partner nations, ensuring close coordination with GIGO and each country’s defence establishments.
Beyond delivering a cutting-edge fighter aircraft, GCAP is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including job creation, export potential and sovereign capability development.
Through the transfer of technology and knowledge, the program will foster resilient defence supply chains and lay the groundwork for sustained innovation and industrial growth in each participating nation.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
