Leaders within the defence sector in the UK, Japan, and Italy have reached a trilateral Cooperation Agreement to fulfill the conceptual phase requirements for an advanced combat aircraft as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
GCAP represents a strategically vital alliance among the UK, Japan, and Italy, uniting the three countries and their respective industries to work together on mutual military and industrial aims, ultimately aiming to deliver a genuinely advanced combat aircraft by 2035.
The pact among BAE Systems (UK), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), and Leonardo SpA (Italy) illustrates encouraging momentum and robust trilateral collaboration, aiming for the industry partners to enhance integration, teamwork, and the exchange of information toward the upcoming phase of GCAP.
This Cooperation Agreement facilitates ongoing dialogues to establish long-term operational frameworks and the maturation of the conceptual and capability requirements essential for the next-generation combat aircraft.
Herman Claesen, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, commented:
“We have sustained an intensive level of engagement with our industrial and governmental partners in Italy and Japan since GCAP’s inception. The Cooperation Agreement reflects the strong consensus across all three nations to achieve shared goals and objectives in delivering a truly global, next-generation combat aircraft.”
Guglielmo Maviglia, Director of the GCAP Programme at Leonardo SpA, stated:
“This trilateral partnership on the programme to advance a next-generation system showcases the pinnacle of the unique capabilities and innovative technologies that our three nations will exchange effectively, ensuring the success of the programme. Our participation in DSEI London perfectly aligns with our collaborative efforts and strengthens the already robust connections forged between the Italian, UK, and Japanese partner firms. We take great pride in contributing to the future and well-being of upcoming generations with far-reaching implications for security and technological advancement, particularly in research and innovation within the aerospace and defence industries.”
Hitoshi Shiraishi, Senior Fellow at GCAP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, remarked:
“We are genuinely privileged to participate in GCAP and intend to leverage our extensive experience gained from previous initiatives. The Cooperation Agreement is a pivotal milestone for ensuring our collective success. We have already initiated close collaboration with our UK and Italian colleagues and believe that the fusion of our diverse cultures and perspectives will greatly enhance the effectiveness of this programme.”
GCAP stands as a critically important initiative for the security, political stability, and economic advancement of each nation. Through effective knowledge and technology exchange, it will contribute to the development and delivery of essential sovereign combat air capabilities for future generations.
