Partners working to finalise GCAP full design and development contract

BAE Systems' GCAP demonstrator model at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The awarding of the full development and design contract is expected shortly. (Janes/Sam Wise)

The governmental and industrial partners behind the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) are progressing towards the launch of full design and development work.

BAE Systems told Janes on 9 January that the GCAP Agency that is part of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) co-ordinating body is close to finalising with the Edgewing industrial body the transition from the current concept and assessment phase of the future fighter programme that comprises Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

“The Global Combat Air Programme is progressing, with the GCAP Agency and Edgewing working collaboratively to conclude the ongoing final negotiations for the first international contract,” a BAE Systems spokesperson said. “Both parties have a clear, shared view of the scope of work and are focused on ensuring the right contract is awarded.”

News of the impending development came after the three governmental and industrial pillars needed to progress to full design and development were put in place throughout 2024 and 2025; namely ratification of the GCAP Treaty by the three national parliaments, as well as the establishment of the GIGO and Edgewing.

An official speaking under the Chatham House Rule at the IQPC International Fighter Conference (IFC) 2025 in Rome noted the unprecedented speed at which the GIGO and Edgewing were stood up, and how this had allowed detailed design and development work to be launched ahead of a formal contract.