BAE Systems has launched Edgewing, a joint venture with Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd focused on designing and developing Tempest, the next generation of combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme.
GCAP is a partnership between Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom formed in 2022 after a British government study called for investments for a new combat jet capable of replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon. The effort will be funded by a $16.2 billion investment from the British Defense Ministry over the next 10 years.
Edgewing will also remain the design lead for the next-gen aircraft’s entire life cycle, which is expected to last beyond 2070.
Marco Zoff is set to join the JV as its first CEO. He comes from Leonardo’s aircraft business, where he served as managing director. Zoff brings years of experience advancing collaboration and innovation in the international aerospace sector.
“We are incredibly excited to launch Edgewing at the heart of the GCP,” said Zoff. “By uniting the strengths of our talented people in the U.K., 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.”