In a major development for the global aerospace and defense industry, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan have announced the launch of a groundbreaking joint venture aimed at creating a next-generation supersonic fighter jet. The advanced aircraft is set to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the most prominent combat jets in the world, by 2035.
The venture brings together three industry leaders Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan’s Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Limited (JAIEC) with each partner holding an equal 33.3% stake in the new project. The formation of this joint venture is a strategic collaboration that is poised to shape the future of military aviation. According to the press release issued by the three companies, the partnership marks a “pivotal moment” for the international aerospace and defense sector.
JAIEC, which is jointly funded by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies, is a key player in this endeavor, adding significant expertise from Japan. Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems, emphasized that the agreement is a product of several months of intensive collaboration with partners, stating, “This strategic program is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Today’s partnership will push the boundaries of innovation in combat air systems and ensure we lead the way in designing the future of fighter jets.”
“Today’s agreement is a culmination of many months working together with our industry partners and is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in this strategically important programme,” said BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles Woodburn.
The venture will “bring together the significant strengths and expertise of the companies involved to create an innovative organization that will lead the way in developing a next-generation combat air system, creating long-term, high-value, and skilled jobs across the partner nations for decades to come,” he added.
The three partners have agreed to form a new company under the Global Combat Air Programme, a multinational initiative established by the UK, Japan, and Italy in 2022 to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter to replace the Typhoon and Japanese F-2.
The joint venture is expected to be established by mid-2025 and will undertake the design and development of the GCAP aircraft.
