READING, UK — The GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E) consortium has secured an 18-month contract to continue developing the integrated sensing and communications systems for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) sixth-generation fighter.
Edgewing Awards New Contract
The contract was awarded by Edgewing, the trilateral joint venture responsible for the design and development of the GCAP aircraft. Edgewing comprises BAE Systems of the UK, Leonardo S.p.A. of Italy, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC).
The award follows a contract between Edgewing and the GCAP Agency, which manages the programme on behalf of the governments of the UK, Italy and Japan.
Integrated Sensing and Communications
The new contract covers further development of the Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects and Integrated Communications Systems, known as ISANKE & ICS.
G2E brings together four defence electronics companies: ELT Group and Leonardo from Italy, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation from Japan, and Leonardo UK. The companies operate as a single strategic partner within the wider GCAP programme.
The GCAP fighter is being designed around ISANKE & ICS from the beginning rather than adding the electronics as separate systems later. The architecture is intended to integrate sensing, communications and non-kinetic effects and fuse large volumes of data to provide pilots with the information needed to operate in complex and contested airspace.
The aircraft's size also allows a larger and more complex network of sensors and communications equipment to be positioned across the platform.
Focus of the 18-Month Phase
During the new contract period, G2E will work on physical and digital infrastructure, recruitment, high-performance computing and advanced modelling to support further development of the electronics architecture.
Andrew Howard, Interim General Manager of G2E, said the contract marks a significant milestone for the consortium and reflects its progress in transforming the participating companies from national organisations into a single international entity.
Howard also said G2E will continue working closely with the GCAP Agency and Edgewing at the programme headquarters in Reading.
Part of the Wider GCAP Programme
The contract follows a £4.6 billion contract awarded to Edgewing by the GCAP Agency in July 2026, which began the programme's advanced concept and assessment phase.
G2E was formed in 2025 after the four companies signed a consortium agreement, building on cooperation that began in 2023. Its leadership is based in Reading, close to the GCAP programme headquarters.
The GCAP programme was launched in 2022 by the UK, Italy and Japan. It aims to deliver an operational next-generation fighter around 2035 to replace existing platforms including the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2.
The programme is designed to share development costs while supporting skilled employment and sovereign defence capabilities across the three partner countries.
The latest contract will allow G2E to continue developing the integrated electronics architecture that forms a core part of the future GCAP fighter.
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