UK, Italy, Japan launch joint venture "Edgewing" to develop jet fighter of the future

A major step in global defence cooperation was marked today with the official launch of Edgewing, a joint venture created by leading aerospace companies BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Japan).

Edgewing has been established to lead the design and development of the next-generation combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and it will serve as the design authority throughout the aircraft’s expected lifecycle, which extends beyond 2070, the joint press release says, per Caliber.Az.

The company will play a central role in delivering GCAP’s strategic objectives, which include achieving an in-service date of 2035. Edgewing also aims to set a new precedent for industrial partnership across Europe and Asia.

Marco Zoff, previously the Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of Edgewing. With extensive experience in international aerospace collaboration, Zoff emphasised the company's ambitious mission.

“We are incredibly excited to launch Edgewing at the heart of the Global Combat Air Programme," said Zoff. "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 launch of Edgewing and highlighted the importance of synergy between the new company and the international government body.

“The launch of Edgewing represents a major step forward in what will be a truly international joint development programme,” Oka said. “Effective and empowered collaboration between the 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 operate with joint teams located across all three partner nations and will be headquartered in the UK. This structure is intended to ensure close cooperation and alignment with the GIGO.

The Global Combat Air Programme is regarded as a cornerstone initiative for strengthening the defence and economic resilience of the participating countries. Through technology sharing and capacity building, the program aims to establish robust national supply chains and deliver sovereign air combat capabilities for generations to come.