UK, Japan, Italy Form Joint Venture for GCAP

Our Bureau - : Dec 16, 2024 - : 6:42 pm

BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) have reached an agreement to establish a new joint venture to support the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The formation of the company is subject to regulatory approvals and...

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The new entity will oversee the design, development, and delivery of the next-generation combat aircraft, maintaining design authority throughout the programme’s lifespan, which is expected to extend beyond 2070. Each of the three companies will hold an equal 33.3% stake, combining their expertise to lead this international aerospace initiative.

Roberto Cingolani, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, commented: “This agreement is the result of an intensive journey made possible by pooling our mutual and shared experiences. This partnership not only enhances our technological capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to global security and innovation.” He also emphasised that the collaboration is a step towards advancing aircraft systems and multi-domain scenarios while supporting long-term economic growth in the partner nations.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, stated: “Today’s agreement is a culmination of many months working together with our industry partners and is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in this strategically important programme.” He highlighted the joint venture’s potential to create an innovative organisation that will shape the future of combat air systems while generating long-term skilled jobs across the three countries.

Kimito Nakae, President of JAIEC, acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the cooperation among the partners. “I believe that through continuing the strong spirit of trilateral cooperation and collaboration that we have fostered up to this point, we will not only deliver the GCAP on time but also at a level that exceeds all of our expectations,” he said.

The joint venture will establish operations in all three nations, with headquarters in the UK to align closely with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), which will also be UK-based. Both organisations aim to support the programme’s objectives, including delivering the aircraft for service by 2035.

GCAP is expected to play a vital role in bolstering security and economic prosperity for the UK, Japan, and Italy. By facilitating knowledge and technology exchange, the programme aims to strengthen sovereign combat air capabilities in each participating country for generations to come.

Leonardo / Bae-systems / Global-combat-air-programme / Japan-aircraft-industrial-enhancement-co-ltd-jaiec /

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