Global Combat Air Programme
The Global Combat Air Programme is a strategically important partnership, bringing together the governments of the UK, Italy, and Japan, and their respective industries, to collaborate on shared military and industrial objectives in the delivery of a next generation combat air capability.
The programme firmly positions the UK, Italy and Japan as pioneers in the design, development and production of advanced combat air capabilities. As the cornerstone of strategic defence and security partnerships, the programme will deliver the capability to defeat the future threats of 2040+.
International impact
The Global Combat Air Programme will deliver far-reaching industrial and economic benefits that will span decades, enhancing security in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
This partnership not only drives innovation and technological advancement but also promotes significant economic growth in each nation, securing the future of their respective combat air industries for decades by maximising and growing national sovereign industrial capability in each of the nations while setting new standards in cost-sharing and industrial partnership.
The programme will deliver:
Strategic and military objectives
Economic and industrial benefits
Partnership and collaboration
Next-generation technology
The Global Combat Air Programme is managed by the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) - an international organisation between Italy, Japan and the UK - delivering the programme alongside Edgewing.
World-class industrial leaders
Edgewing is the lead company on the Global Combat Air Programme, responsible for the design, development of the next generation combat aircraft. The company will remain the design authority for the aircraft through-out its life.
BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) are custodians of their nation’s combat air capability, safeguarding valuable skills, technology and supporting national security and economic contribution. As the GCAP lead systems integrators, they are responsible for bringing together people, expertise, infrastructure and systems to lead the development and integration of the next generation combat air system.