The yet-to-be-named company is expected to be established by mid-2024, with participation from the UK’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan’s Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company (JAIEC). The shares will be divided equally among the three countries, and the company will be headquartered in the UK. Its first CEO will be appointed from Italy.
Planned for Deployment by 2035
The venture will oversee the design, development, and delivery of a sixth-generation fighter jet, aiming for service readiness by 2035. It aims to combine expert teams from the three nations to create an innovative structure for next-generation combat air systems.
BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn commented:
“This partnership brings together significant strengths and expertise to create a pioneering organization at the forefront of next-generation combat air system development.”
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani added:
“This agreement is the result of an intense journey of collaboration, pooling our shared experiences. This partnership not only advances our technological capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to global security and innovation.”
A Critical Step in International Aviation and Defense
The new company will operate under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), established in 2022 with backing from the UK, Italy, and Japan governments. GCAP aims to deliver a fighter aircraft capable of ensuring military superiority while also offering significant long-term export potential.
Strengthened by BAE Systems’ Expertise
BAE Systems’ extensive experience, including its collaboration with France, Germany, and Spain on the Eurofighter Typhoon and its production contributions to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jets, will play a key role in the new project. The expertise gained at its facilities in Lancashire is expected to be a major asset.
© AeroHaber.com
Aviation News and Defense Industry news published on our website cannot be used without proper attribution.
