The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has awarded its first joint contract to Edgewing, a tri-national venture involving BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement. The contract focuses on initial design and engineering for a next-generation combat aircraft expected by 2035. The program emphasizes a “system of systems” approach, integrating crewed and uncrewed platforms across multiple domains. Advanced digital architecture, AI-driven systems, and secure data-sharing networks will enable coordinated operations, marking a significant evolution in future air combat strategies.
