Edgewing will serve as the design authority for the new aircraft and will be responsible for its development throughout the entire lifecycle, with operational service anticipated from 2035 and a projected service life stretching beyond 2070.

The establishment of Edgewing signifies a bold step forward in international defence collaboration—bridging Europe and Asia to create a truly integrated air power capability. The company will have joint teams operating across all three partner nations and will be headquartered in the United Kingdom, ensuring close alignment with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO).

Marco Zoff, previously Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, will lead Edgewing as its first Chief Executive Officer. Zoff brings deep expertise in global aerospace programmes and international innovation.

“We are incredibly excited to launch Edgewing at the heart of the Global Combat Air Programme,” said Zoff. “By uniting the strengths of our talented people in the UK, Italy, and Japan, we are not only delivering the next-generation combat air system—we aim to set a new global standard for partnership, innovation and trust.”

Masami Oka, Chief Executive of GIGO, welcomed the development:

“The launch of Edgewing represents an important step forward in what will be a truly international joint development programme. I am confident that together we can establish a new model of partnership that promotes mutual trust and shared commitment.”

Edgewing’s formation is set to deliver key national capabilities through effective technology transfer and resilient supply chains, while strengthening the sovereign combat air ecosystems of all three nations. More than just a project, GCAP is now a platform for securing future air superiority, economic development, and long-term strategic partnership.