Edgewing Consortium Secures First GCAP Contract to Advance Future Fighter Program
The Edgewing industrial consortium has been awarded the first governmental contract under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral initiative involving Italy, Japan, and the UK. Announced on April 2, 2026, the contract is valued at GBP686 million (USD907 million) and is intended to cover key design and engineering activities. This award marks a significant step in the development of a 'sixth-generation' combat aircraft, which is expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. The GCAP Agency, part of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), is coordinating this effort. The program aims to integrate unmanned 'loyal wingmen' and other adjuncts developed at a national level. The UK Ministry of Defence has expressed openness to future collaborations with other countries, with interest reportedly shown by Canada, India, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. 
