Leonardo opens first Italian site for GCAP fighter programme

Italy's defence group Leonardo has opened its first national site for the Global Combat Air Programme in Turin. The programme is being developed jointly by Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan, with a combat aircraft system intended to be ready for service from 2035.

Responsibility for designing and developing the aircraft sits with the joint venture Edgewing. Leonardo, BAE Systems and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement each hold a third of the company.

Edgewing Italia is expected to employ around 1,000 people at full capacity. A further 1,000-plus Leonardo staff are to work on the programme.

In July 2026 the GCAP Agency awarded Edgewing a contract worth 4.6 billion pounds, roughly 5.43 billion euros, on behalf of the three partner states. The contract runs for 18 months and is intended to complete the advanced analysis and concept phase before detailed development of the fighter begins.