A new chapter in global defence collaboration began today with the official launch of Edgewing, a joint venture bringing together international aerospace leaders BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy) and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Japan).

Edgewing will be accountable for the design and development of the next generation combat aircraft and will remain the design authority for the life of the product, which is expected to go out beyond 2070.

Marco Zoff will be the first Chief Executive Officer of Edgewing. Formerly the Managing Director of Leonardo Aircraft Division, Zoff brings extensive leadership experience in international aerospace collaboration and innovation.

Marco Zoff, Chief Executive Officer Edgewing said:

“We are incredibly excited to launch Edgewing at the heart of the Global Combat Air Programme.

“By uniting the strengths of our talented people in UK, 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. Together, we will push boundaries, embrace agility, enhance our national supply chains and create a legacy of security and prosperity for our nations and future generations.”

“We welcome the launch of Edgewing, which represents an important step forward in what will be a truly international joint development programme. Effective and empowered collaboration between the GIGO and Edgewing will be critical for the success of GCAP. I am confident that together we can establish a new model of partnership that will promote international integration, mutual trust and a shared commitment to our future.”

GCAP is a hugely significant programme for the security and economic prosperity of each nation and through effective knowledge and technology transfer, it will help to evolve and build resilient supply chains and deliver important sovereign combat air capability in each nation for generations to come.

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Notes to editors

・Company information and biographies can be found here: edgewing.com

・The board of directors is responsible for the management of the Company. The Chair of the board will rotate between the three shareholders and the first Chair has been nominated by BAE Systems – Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems Air

・Edgewing will undertake the design and development of the next-generation combat air system under the Global Combat Air Programme and will subcontract the manufacturing and final assembly of the aircraft to BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the wider supply chain.

・BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC) each hold a 33.3% shareholding in Edgewing bringing together the combined strengths and expertise of three leading companies and marking a pivotal moment for the international aerospace and defence industry.

About Edgewing

Edgewing is an international joint venture established by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd to lead the development of next-generation defence and aerospace systems. Operating across the UK, Italy and Japan, Edgewing combines global expertise, trusted partnerships and technical excellence to pioneer a superior and connected next-generation air combat system. With a foundation built on trust, unity, and innovation, Edgewing is committed to advancing national security and creating long-term strategic value for its government partners.

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For more information, please contact:

United Kingdom

     Rachael Gordon – BAE Systems Air
     M: +44 (0) 7793 423682
     E: rachael.gordon@baesystems.com

     Charlotte Eccles – BAE Systems Air
     M: +44 (0) 7717 732847
     charlotte.eccles@baesystems.com

Italy

      Media Relations
     E: leonardopressoffice@leonardo.com

 Japan

      Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd (JAIEC)
     E: jaiec-contact@jaiec.com

Issued by: BAE Systems plc on behalf of Edgewing
Contact number: + 44 (0) 07920 298238 / Email: edgewing@baesystems.com