UK, Italy and Japan seal $6.1 billion deal for next-generation fighter jet

The United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan have inked an £4.6 billion ($6.1 billion) contract to help in the development of a new-age stealth fighter jet.

The agreement is “a major milestone” for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which has been working toward developing a sixth generation combat aircraft for deployment in 2035, the UK government has stated in a press release.

“Through the GCAP fighter jet, we will operate alongside our existing Typhoons, F-35s and autonomous systems within our next-generation Royal Air Force,” the release stated.

“Using advanced digital engineering, artificial intelligence, and revolutionary technology, it will be the most advanced fighter jet ever flown by the RAF,” the statement further read.

The agreement, which will be funded by the three countries equally, has been given to Edgewing, a joint venture company founded in 2025 between Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC).

The agreement will provide funds for the next stage of the project, wherein the design of the aircraft will be undertaken by outlining its core features and carrying out tests.