BAE Systems, Leonardo and JAIEC launch Edgewing, the joint venture that will design the GCAP fighter

Edgewing/GCAP fighter

The three industrial partners of GCAP formed Edgewing, an equally owned company headquartered in the UK, to design and develop the fighter for the UK, Italy and Japan. It will remain the design authority for the aircraft's life, which is expected to run past 2070, and will subcontract manufacturing to its owners and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

• Ownership: 33.3% each for BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co.
• CEO: Marco Zoff, previously head of Leonardo's aircraft division; first board chair Herman Claesen of BAE Systems.
• Target: in service in 2035.
• Manufacturing and final assembly go to BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the supply chain.