A trilateral collaboration gives the green light to the sixth generation super fighter: a combat aircraft equipped with the most innovative technologies and characterized by a strong tricolor imprint.
The Italian Leonardo has in fact reached an agreement with the British Bae Systems and the Japanese Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd for the establishment of an equal joint venture responsible for developing the Global Combat Air Program (Gcap), a project which will put the future in production and then on the track from 2035. The agreement is based on a partnership already launched in the Gcap context since December 2022 between the governments and defense industries of the three countries involved. In the joint venture, Leonardo, Bae Systems, Jaiec will each hold a 33.3% stake, combining their respective capabilities and expertise for the benefit of the development of the aerospace and defense industry.
For the Italian big company led by CEO and general manager Roberto Cingolani this is an important recognition. «We are charting the course towards a new era in the field of aeronautical systems and multi-domain scenarios, promoting long-term sustainable growth for the economies of the countries involved», stated Cingolani himself, explaining how the agreement is «the result of an intense journey made possible by sharing our mutual experiences.” In fact, the Leonardo CEO explained that “in addition to improving our technological capabilities, it also strengthens our commitment to global security and innovation”.
The new joint venture will maintain the role of Gcap design authority for the entire life cycle of the aircraft itself, even beyond 2070, demonstrating the solidity of a project that looks to a broad horizon and which could soon expand its scope of ‘action.
In fact, Saudi Arabia has not hidden its interest in a possible entry into the new company. Leonardo’s desire is to make an important contribution to both the technological development and industrial growth of our country.
Precisely in this regard, the co-general director of Leonardo, Lorenzo Mariani, observed how «the impact of the Gcap will be on various plants in Italy, in particular I see an important role for Turin Caselle, Pomezia and Florence». He continued, «all the sites where electronics and avionics are made will be positively affected. Several thousand employees will work on the Gcap and new hires related to the project will continue, of which there have been hundreds in the last year alone.” Mariani then underlined the importance of this adventure: «I have rarely seen such clarity in the definition of the financial profile. We have managed to place our leadership on important areas of the flight system and in the sensor component. It is an important result and an excellent start for the program.”
The trilateral agreement is designed to jointly maximize and grow industrial capacity in each of the nations, with elements of design, development, and manufacturing distributed equally among them. The first rotating CEO of the joint venture will be Italian.
The launch of the project on the sixth generation super fighter was also welcomed by our Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto.
«Thanks to this partnership – declared the government representative – we are acquiring a new generation system which will guarantee a significant boost to the Italian aerospace industry, generating innovation and opportunities for future generations».