Edgewing receives multi-billion contract for sixth-generation fighter development

The Britain–Italy–Japan joint venture Edgewing has secured an 18-month contract worth £4.6 billion (around $6.1 billion) under the trilateral programme between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft.

According to Report, the company said the contract, awarded under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), will support the completion of the advanced concept development and assessment phase of the future fighter. After this stage, the project will move into detailed design and engineering.

This is the second international contract awarded to Edgewing under GCAP. The first contract, worth £686 million, was granted in April.

BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIEC form the Edgewing joint venture.

The GCAP programme (Global Combat Air Programme) was launched in 2022 to develop a next-generation stealth fighter incorporating advanced technologies. The project is scheduled for completion by 2035.