Defense firms from Japan, the UK, and Italy have come together to create a consortium dedicated to the design and development of advanced sensing and communications systems for the ambitious Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which aims to establish a next-generation combat aircraft. This consortium, named GCAP Electronics Evolution, comprises Mitsubishi Electric representing Japan, as well as Leonardo UK, alongside Leonardo and ELT Group from Italy.
The consortium is poised to receive a significant contract from Edgewing, a joint venture formed by industry leaders BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement (Japan). Edgewing will take on the role of lead systems integrator for the GCAP initiative.
As part of this groundbreaking project, the member companies of GCAP Electronics Evolution will focus on delivering Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications Systems (ISANKE & ICS), along with necessary support services. These systems are set to become the principal sensing and communications architecture for GCAP, engineered to manage and process extensive volumes of operational data effectively.
The leadership team of GCAP Electronics Evolution will be situated in Reading, southeast England, strategically positioned near the GCAP International Government Organisation. This location will facilitate streamlined coordination with the defense ministries of the three participating nations and with Edgewing.
The creation of this consortium underscores a commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation, with the goal of leveraging the unique expertise and resources of each participating country. Leonardo emphasized that this collaboration aims to bolster security across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region for years to come.
The Global Combat Air Programme is envisioned to replace the Eurofighter Typhoons currently utilized by the Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force, as well as the Mitsubishi F-2 multi-role fighter operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. With a target service date set for 2035, the aircraft will incorporate the latest advancements in air combat technologies developed by the three nations.
Positioned as a “system of systems,” the next-generation combat aircraft will serve as the core platform, interconnected with both manned and unmanned technologies. It will feature a fully digital infrastructure that integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, a combat cloud architecture, and capabilities designed to withstand cyber threats.
A concept design for the aircraft was unveiled in July 2024, marking a significant milestone following the official launch of the GCAP program in December 2022. The development of this initiative reflects a strategic move towards maintaining cutting-edge defense capabilities in an increasingly complex global security environment.
