GCAP partners launch propulsion and avionics consortiums for next-gen fighter
At DSEI UK 2025 in London, Japan, the UK, and Italy have announced major new steps in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with the creation of two international industry consortiums that will spearhead the development of the future fighter’s propulsion system and avionics.
Power and propulsion
Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce (UK), Avio Aero (Italy) and IHI (Japan) have signed an evolved collaboration agreement to accelerate work on the fighter’s all-new engine.
The deal marks the transition from nationally managed contracts to a fully integrated international framework, enabling direct engagement with Edgewing, the joint venture formed by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement (JAIEC) to lead the fighter’s design and delivery.
The three companies are advancing work on the GCAP centreline engine demonstrator, including technologies in additive manufacturing, cooling systems, and high-pressure compressor design. Recent milestones include a successful combustor test using enhanced Additive Layer Manufacturing to create unique geometric cooling pathways, supporting higher turbine operating temperatures and extended durability.
Phil Townley, Director Defence Aerospace, Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce, called the agreement “a pivotal step” towards a one-team international approach. Atsushi Sato, President of IHI’s Aero Engine, Space & Defense Business Area, described the partnership as “a new era for combat air propulsion.”
Electronics and avionics
In parallel, Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Leonardo UK, and ELT Group (Italy) have formed GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E) to deliver the fighter’s avionics. The agreement, signed in August 2025, follows a trilateral framework announced at DSEI Japan in 2023.
The three companies will work with BAE Systems, Leonardo Italy, and JAIEC to develop the aircraft’s Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications Systems (ISANKE & ICS). This system aims to fuse sensing, communications, and electronic warfare into a single architecture, enhancing information dominance in future combat environments.
Andrew Howard of Leonardo UK described the consortium’s launch at DSEI London on September 9, 2025, as “the beginning of the next chapter” for GCAP.
RELATED
Royal Air Force turns retired Tornado jets into parts for new Tempest fleet
The post GCAP partners launch propulsion and avionics consortiums for next-gen fighter appeared first on AeroTime.
At DSEI UK 2025 in London, Japan, the UK, and Italy have announced major new steps in the…
The post GCAP partners launch propulsion and avionics consortiums for next-gen fighter appeared first on AeroTime.
