UK, Japan, Italy Advance Sixth-Generation Aircraft with Edgewing Launch

The United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy have entered a new phase in their trilateral defense collaboration, aiming to finalize a major international contract by the end of 2025 for the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. This initiative falls under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which consolidates previous national efforts—namely the UK’s Tempest, Japan’s F-X, and Italy’s future fighter plans—into a unified framework for next-generation air combat capabilities.

GCAP. raf.mod.uk

The GCAP represents a strategic shift in multinational defense cooperation, with the three nations establishing a shared headquarters in Reading, UK. This facility will host both the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) and a newly formed industrial joint venture named Edgewing. Edgewing brings together BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Japan), each holding equal stakes in the venture. The co-location of governmental and industrial entities is intended to streamline decision-making and maintain development momentum through a unified governance structure.

The joint statement issued on July 7, 2025, by UK Defence Secretary John Healey, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the program. The ministers emphasized the importance of concluding the first formal international contract between GIGO and Edgewing by the end of the year. This milestone is viewed as critical for sustaining the pace of development and deepening trilateral cooperation.

The GCAP aims to deliver a highly networked, stealth-capable combat aircraft by the mid-2030s, intended to replace current-generation platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2. The program is positioned as one of the most ambitious defense collaborations outside the United States, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital cockpit systems.

The establishment of Edgewing marks a formalization of industrial roles and responsibilities. It is expected to lead the design and development of the aircraft, supported by national defense ministries and a broader ecosystem of research institutions, universities, and small-to-medium enterprises. The joint venture structure reflects a balanced approach to technological and operational input, with each country contributing equally to the program’s direction and outcomes.

This trilateral partnership also signals a broader geopolitical alignment among the three nations, particularly in the context of evolving global security dynamics. By pooling resources and expertise, the UK, Japan, and Italy aim to enhance their strategic autonomy and reduce reliance on external defense suppliers. The GCAP’s governance model, which integrates governmental oversight with industrial execution, may serve as a template for future multinational defense initiatives.

While the program is still in its early stages, the commitment to finalize contractual frameworks by the end of 2025 suggests a clear intent to move from conceptual planning to tangible development. The success of this phase will likely influence subsequent decisions on production, deployment, and potential export strategies.

The GCAP reflects a concerted effort by the UK, Japan, and Italy to jointly develop a sixth-generation fighter jet through a structured and collaborative approach. The creation of Edgewing and the establishment of a shared headquarters are foundational steps toward achieving this goal, with the upcoming contract serving as a pivotal moment in the program’s trajectory.