Over £4.6 billion invested in next-generation fighter jet with new international contract
The £4.6 billion contract awarded to industry joint venture Edgewing, (a venture between BAE Systems in the UK, Italian firm Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan) funded jointly by the three partner nations, will advance the next stage of the aircraft’s design and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Global Combat Air Programme is a key programme run from BAE Systems’ sites in Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire and therefore this contract marks a significant moment for the thousands of people employed on the programme at these sites.
BAE Statement:
“[The] announcement of a new Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) contract marks an important step forward for this strategically vital programme. We also welcome the UK Government’s strong commitment to GCAP in the Defence Investment Plan, which reflects its criticality as part of the UK’s sovereign combat air capability for the long term.
GCAP is built on long-term industrial partnerships across the UK together with our international partners in Italy and Japan, bringing together world‑class expertise to deliver next‑generation air power. BAE Systems continues to play a leading role in this ground-breaking programme, coordinating the UK industrial base and working closely with partners to deliver this critical capability for the future.”
Background on GCAP:
· The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is the name of the international collaborative programme between the UK, Japan and Italy to deliver a common next generation crewed combat aircraft It is a strategically important partnership, bringing together the governments of the UK, Italy, and Japan, and their respective industries, to collaborate on shared military and industrial objectives in the delivery of a next generation combat air capability.
· Edgewing is an international joint venture established by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC) to lead the development of next-generation defence and aerospace systems. Operating across the UK, Italy, and Japan, Edgewing combines global expertise, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence to pioneer a superior and connected next-generation combat air system under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
· BAE Systems (UK) has a 33% share in Edgewing along with Leonardo (Italy) and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd (Japan)
· Across the Team Tempest partners and UK MoD, there are 4,500 people working on the future of combat air, with a significant portion in the North West through BAE Systems and MBDA.
· Tempest is expected to deliver significant benefits to the UK over the full lifetime of the programme, benefiting all regions of the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland. (Read the full report here)
