GCAP: Leonardo, BAE Systems Japan Aircraft Enhancement Co. Ltd form JV company Edgewing: LONDON, UK – June 21, 2025 – A pivotal moment in global defence cooperation has arrived with the official launch of Edgewing, a groundbreaking joint venture poised to redefine the future of combat aviation. This new entity brings together the formidable expertise of BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Japan), marking a significant stride in the development of next-generation combat aircraft.
Edgewing: The Architects of Tomorrow’s Air Power
Edgewing’s primary mandate is the design and development of the sophisticated combat aircraft intended to serve far beyond 2070. The newly formed company will retain design authority for the entire lifespan of the product. With an ambitious in-service date set for 2035, Edgewing is not just building an aircraft; it aims to establish a new gold standard for trilateral industrial partnership spanning Europe and Asia.
The venture’s headquarters will be located in the UK, a strategic decision to ensure seamless alignment and collaboration with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO). Operations will also include joint teams working actively in each of the partner nations.
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GCAP.
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Leadership and Structure
Marco Zoff, CEO, Edgewing.
At the helm of this monumental undertaking is Marco Zoff, appointed as Edgewing’s first Chief Executive Officer. Formerly the Managing Director of Leonardo Aircraft Division, Zoff brings a wealth of experience in international aerospace collaboration and innovation.
Expressing his enthusiasm at the launch, Marco Zoff stated, “We are incredibly excited to launch Edgewing at the heart of the Global Combat Air Programme. By uniting the strengths of our talented people in 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.” He further emphasized the goal of pushing boundaries, embracing agility, enhancing national supply chains, and creating a legacy of security and prosperity for the participating nations and future generations.
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The board of directors, responsible for the company’s management, will see its Chair rotate among the three shareholders. Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems Air, has been nominated as the inaugural Chair.
Edgewing’s shareholding reflects its collaborative spirit, with BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC) each holding a 33.3% stake. While Edgewing will lead the design and development, it will subcontract the manufacturing and final assembly of the aircraft to key players like BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the broader supply chain.
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Global Combat Air Programme GCAP.
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Endorsement from GCAP Leadership
The launch has been warmly received by the overseeing body. Masami Oka, Chief Executive of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), welcomed the establishment of Edgewing, calling it “an important step forward in what will be a truly international joint development programme.” Oka stressed the critical need for effective and empowered collaboration between the GIGO and Edgewing for GCAP’s success, expressing confidence in establishing a new model of partnership promoting international integration, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to the future.
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Explained: Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
At the core of Edgewing’s mission lies the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This ambitious international initiative is a collaborative defence programme between the UK, Italy, and Japan, focused on developing a state-of-the-art stealth fighter jet and a wider combat air system. GCAP is designed to deliver a highly advanced, next-generation combat air capability that integrates cutting-edge technologies, including advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated communications systems.
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More than just an aircraft development project, GCAP is a hugely significant undertaking for the security and economic prosperity of each participating nation. Through effective knowledge and technology transfer, the programme aims to evolve and build resilient supply chains, ensuring that each nation maintains important sovereign combat air capability for generations to come. It represents a long-term strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation, strengthening industrial bases, and enhancing global security through shared defence capabilities. Edgewing is now firmly positioned as the central entity responsible for bringing this vision to fruition.
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