EU Approves U.K.–Japan–Italy GCAP Fighter Jet Venture

The European Union has formally approved the creation of a new multinational venture between BAE Systems (U.K.), Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd., and Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy) to lead the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The joint company will act as the prime contractor and systems integrator for the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet.

The European Commission stated that the agreement does not create an anti-competitive environment within the single market. The GCAP is intended to deliver a next-generation combat aircraft for the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan by 2035, with potential sales to other countries also under consideration.

Each company holds an equal 33.3% stake in the joint venture, which will be headquartered in the United Kingdom. The first CEO will come from Italy.

According to project details, the aircraft will be the centerpiece of a broader defense ecosystem spanning air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The fighter jet will be fully digital and designed to work in coordination with other military assets via a high-speed, secure command, control, and communications network.

Technologies integrated into the system will include artificial intelligence, supercomputing, a combat cloud, and cyber-resilient data links to enable fast and secure battlefield information sharing.

The GCAP is expected to drive technology development and support high-skilled employment in all three partner countries. Defense companies such as Avio Aero, Elettronica, and MBDA Italia, as well as universities, research institutes, SMEs, and startups, will contribute to the program.

Aimed at strengthening long-term technological independence, the GCAP is regarded as a strategic initiative in aerospace and defense. It stands alongside a separate sixth-generation fighter jet program being developed by France, Germany, and Spain, prompting industry discussions on whether Europe can sustain two parallel programs.