Delivery of new fighter jet through JV companies in UK, Italy, Japan

LONDON, UK: Three leading defense companies in the U.K., Italy, and Japan have announced the creation of a joint venture to deliver the next-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Britain's BAE Systems, Italy's Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement (JAIEC) will each hold an equal share in the venture, which is subject to regulatory approval. The headquarters will be based in the U.K., while operations will span all three partner nations, with the first chief executive coming from Italy.

"This agreement is the result of an intensive journey made possible by pooling our mutual and shared experiences," said Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo.

The new organization aims to leverage each company's strengths to develop cutting-edge combat air technology, promising long-term skilled job creation across all three nations. Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems, described the venture as "an innovative organization that will lead the way in developing a next-generation combat air system."

The advanced aircraft, set to take flight by 2035, will feature supersonic capabilities and a digital cockpit that allows pilots to use virtual reality, with critical data projected directly in their line of sight.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Kimito Nakae, president of JAIEC, expressed confidence in the trilateral collaboration. "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.