Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Industry Partners – Leonardo, Mitsubishi Electric & ELT Launch GCAP Electronics Evolution Consortium: London, UK – September 9, 2025 – A powerful new consortium, GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E), has been officially formed to spearhead the development of integrated sensing and communication systems for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The partnership, which includes industry giants Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Leonardo UK (UK), and Leonardo and ELT Group (Italy), marks a critical step forward in the international collaboration to design the next generation of combat aircraft.
This announcement builds upon a collaboration agreement first signed at DSEI Japan in March 2023 and solidified with a formal consortium agreement this August. The formation of G2E represents a significant industrial milestone, formalizing the collaboration as a commercial entity and demonstrating the partners’ strong, long-term commitment to the success of the GCAP project.
Strengthening Trilateral Defense Cooperation
The GCAP Electronics Evolution consortium brings together three of the world’s leading defense electronics companies to work on one of the most ambitious defense projects in modern history. The collaboration is designed to provide cutting-edge sensing and communications capabilities for the GCAP, which is poised to be the centerpiece of future air combat technology for Japan, the UK, and Italy.
The consortium is prepared to receive a contract from Edgewing, a joint venture between BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Japan), which serves as the lead systems integrator for the GCAP combat aircraft. As the GCAP programme progresses, G2E will develop the Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications Systems (ISANKE & ICS), central to the platform’s technological capabilities. These systems are expected to be fundamental in distinguishing GCAP’s capabilities from previous generations of fighter aircraft.
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Advanced Sensing and Communications: A Leap Ahead in Air Combat
The ISANKE & ICS systems will enable the GCAP aircraft to operate with unmatched efficiency in highly complex and dynamic operational environments. With an unprecedented integration of real-time information from diverse sources, these systems will allow for a level of situational awareness that will be critical in modern air combat. The ability to manage vast amounts of data and use it effectively in real-time will be key to ensuring GCAP’s superiority.
The focus on non-kinetic effects — such as electronic warfare, cyber capabilities, and other non-physical methods of engagement — reflects a significant shift in the nature of modern warfare, where information dominance and integrated communication will play an increasingly central role. The ISANKE & ICS systems will be at the heart of this transformation, enhancing not only the aircraft’s offensive and defensive capabilities but also its ability to integrate seamlessly with allied forces and other platforms.
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Italy, UK and Japan are partner nations for Global Combat Air Programme.
A Bold Vision for Long-Term Success
In keeping with the ambitious timelines of the GCAP programme, the G2E consortium is committed to ensuring that the systems are delivered on schedule and with the utmost attention to accountability and precision. The consortium’s design is structured to support each country’s operational sovereignty while also providing flexibility for future modifications as technological advancements continue to emerge.
The consortium’s leadership will be based in Reading, UK, near the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), which represents the three national Ministries of Defence. This proximity ensures close collaboration with the respective government agencies and further strengthens the alignment between industry and defense policy. G2E is committed to advancing not just the technological capabilities of the GCAP, but also to fostering the security, economic, and skills goals shared by Japan, the UK, and Italy.
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A Unified Approach to Global Security
In addition to its technical goals, the consortium is committed to advancing broader security objectives across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The combined expertise and resources of the three nations will ensure that GCAP stands as a symbol of international defense collaboration, with the ultimate aim of enhancing security on a global scale.
As part of this effort, the GCAP Electronics Evolution consortium will continue to deepen its trilateral cooperation, ensuring that each partner nation retains its freedom of action and ability to modify the systems in line with national defense strategies. This collaborative approach is poised to create a lasting legacy in defense technology, providing the foundation for the next generation of fighter aircraft that will serve the needs of the participating nations for decades to come.
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About the Consortium Partners
Mitsubishi Electric (Japan) brings over 100 years of technological expertise in electronics and communications, with a strong presence in industries ranging from space development to industrial technology and transportation. With a 2025 revenue of ¥5,521.7 billion (approximately USD 36.8 billion), Mitsubishi Electric continues to be a key player in the advancement of global defense technology.
Leonardo (Italy/UK) is a world-leading aerospace, defense, and security company with a significant global footprint. Leonardo’s involvement in key international programs, such as the Eurofighter and JSF, positions it as a critical partner in shaping the future of combat aircraft systems.
ELT Group (Italy), with more than 70 years of experience in electronic defense systems, is known for its innovations in managing the electromagnetic spectrum and delivering multi-domain defense solutions. The group is involved in major European defense programs and is a recognized leader in electronic warfare and cyber defense.
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A New Era in Combat Air Systems
The formation of the GCAP Electronics Evolution consortium signifies a major step in the development of the next generation of combat aircraft. As the design and development phase for the GCAP’s integrated sensing and communication systems progresses, the partners are setting the stage for a powerful, highly advanced platform that will redefine air combat for decades to come.
With its ambitious technological goals and collaborative spirit, GCAP stands as a symbol of the future of defense technology — one that will ensure enhanced security and strategic dominance for the nations involved, as well as for allied forces around the globe.
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