The UK, Italy and Japan have signed a £4.6 billion contract to advance the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and develop a sixth‑generation fighter jet expected to enter service in 2035. The joint venture Edgewing will receive the funding through the GCAP Agency to progress the aircraft’s design and set key requirements. The deal follows the Defence Investment Plan, which commits £8.6 billion to the programme over four years, supporting UK jobs and national security. The aircraft will operate alongside Typhoons and F‑35s and will employ digital engineering, AI, robotics, AR and additive manufacturing. GCAP already supports 4,500 jobs and a supply chain of around 600 companies, strengthening the UK’s sovereign industrial base.
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