A significant step forward for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) has been taken, with a joint venture comprising BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. securing a £4.6 billion ($6.14 billion) contract. The venture, operating under the name Edgewing, will advance the development of a next-generation stealth fighter jet.

This contract officially moves the trilateral project past its advanced concept and assessment phase. GCAP, launched in 2022, aims to field a technologically advanced stealth fighter by 2035, representing a major collaborative defense initiative between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. The program seeks to pool resources and expertise among the three nations.

Edgewing will now focus on the detailed design and development of the aircraft. The substantial contract value underscores the commitment from the participating governments to this ambitious aerospace project. It signifies a move towards tangible production stages for the much-anticipated combat aircraft.