LONDON – On Dec. 13, Britain, Italy, and Japan announced the creation of a joint company to design and build a next-generation stealth fighter jet, advancing the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) launched in 2022.
The collaboration comes amid heightened global security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with China. The new aircraft will replace the Eurofighter and Japan’s F-2, both scheduled to retire by 2040, and is targeted to enter service by 2035.
The company will be equally owned by Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan’s Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, with headquarters in Britain. Italy will appoint the first CEO. “Peace must be defended, and defending peace has a cost. The GCAP is a terrific example of international cooperation,” said Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani.
The agreement also allows for potential expansion. Discussions are underway with Saudi Arabia about joining the programme, although analysts warn this could complicate export policy decisions.
BAE managing director Herman Claesen said the joint company, expected to be operational by mid-2025, will split design, manufacturing, and assembly tasks equally among the three nations’ aerospace leaders. He added the project is estimated to generate “hundreds of billions over multiple years” through development and production.
The GCAP project envisions stealth fighters working in tandem with drones, marking a significant leap in air combat technology. While experts have called the 2035 target date ambitious, Claesen emphasized the commitment to meeting it.
The announcement also quells rumors that Britain’s Labour government, elected in July, might reduce or scrap GCAP following a defense review in 2025. “This joint venture reflects the commitment the UK government has demonstrated in recent weeks,” Claesen said.
Meanwhile, France, Germany, and Spain are pursuing a rival fighter jet programme, raising questions about Europe’s ability to sustain two large-scale defense projects.