International Collaboration of Military Aircraft: United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan
Three entities hailing from the UK, Italy, and Japan are joining forces to create a joint venture, set to launch a new combat aircraft by 2035. This new machine is set to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and will see involvement from defense and aerospace giants such as BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC), each holding a 33.3% stake.
This collaboration marks a significant turning point within the global aerospace and defense sector, as per a joint declaration. Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems, hailed the announcement as the culmination of "months of partnership and a testament to the tireless efforts of all those who have contributed to this critical project."
The new company emerged within the framework of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which was established in 2022. The partnership aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet, with the new machine set to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon for the UK and Italy, along with the Japanese F-2 combat aircraft.
The joint venture will merge the capabilities and expertise of the participating companies to develop a cutting-edge enterprise, as per Woodburn’s observations. This initiative will be responsible for creating long-lasting, high-quality, and skilled employment opportunities within partner nations. The joint venture is expected to go live by mid-2025 and will manage the design and development processes for the new combat aircraft.
Simultaneously, France, Germany, and Spain are actively working on the FCAS airborne combat system, which aims to replace the Eurofighter and Rafale fighter jets by 2040. This system, which will operate in conjunction with both armed and unarmed drones, transcends the conventional concept of a combat aircraft.
The partnership involves the development of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, which will replace the Eurofighter Typhoon for the UK and Italy, as well as the Japanese F-2 combat aircraft. This new venture, focused on producing fighter aircraft, will harness the combined abilities and knowledge of BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIEC.
