GCAP aircraft model at the Farnborough international air show on the outskirts of London (UK) on July 22
Contractors BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy) and Japan Aircraft Technology Innovation Corporation (JAIEC) will each hold 33.3% of the shares in the joint venture to develop the sixth generation fighter.
In particular, JAIEC is the company that receives financial resources from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Association of Japan Aerospace Companies.
The new move is expected to mark an important moment for the aerospace and defense industry, according to AFP citing a press release on the establishment of the UK-Japan-Italy joint venture.
“Today’s agreement is the culmination of many months of coordination with industry partners and a testament to the tireless work of those involved in this strategically important program,” AFP quoted Mr. Charles Woodburn, General Director of BAE Systems.
Mr. Woodburn predicted that the new joint venture will lead the effort to develop the next generation fighter aircraft, creating high-skilled, valuable jobs and bringing long-term benefits to the countries involved in the region. many years to come.
All three partners agreed to establish a joint venture company under the framework of the Global Air Combat Program (GCAP), a multinational initiative established by the UK, Japan and Italy in 2022 to develop a next-generation fighter line. sixth, replacing Japan’s Eurofighter Typhoon and F-2 fighter lines.
The joint venture company is expected to officially open in mid-2025 and undertake the design and development of GCAP aircraft with stealth and supersonic capabilities.
The sixth generation fighter is expected to join the forces by 2035, ahead of a similar project by rival FCAS led by France, Germany, and Spain.
