The GCAP programme for a new 6th generation fighter jet is considering unmanned operation options
The three-country Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for the development of the next sixth-generation fighter jet is entering its next phase. The Italian-British-Japanese programme has been named Edgewing and is now considering options for unmanned operation with remote control. Italian aircraft manufacturer Leonardo has not ruled out the potential conversion of existing M-345 and M-346 training aircraft or the involvement of other foreign partners, such as Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar. At the same time, the director of the Italian company, Roberto Cingolani, emphasised that 2035 remains the target date for the new fighter jet to enter service.
Companies around the world involved in the production of sixth-generation fighter jets, the most advanced aircraft of their kind currently in development, share a common goal of equipping their fighters with the best possible weaponry. They also share the belief that their designs will incorporate some form of remote piloting. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) project involving Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan is no exception. It was launched in 2022 with the aim of replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft that have been in service with the British and Italian air forces for over 20 years and the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jets that have been in service with the Japanese air force for a similar period.
Now, GCAP is announcing the next phase of development, which focuses on considerations for the production of an alternative type of remotely piloted aircraft or one that operates autonomously in tandem with a piloted aircraft. "To be honest, we still have options 345 and 346. We could modify them to be unmanned," said Roberto Cingolani, director of Italian defence giant Leonardo, referring to two of their existing types of jet trainers, according to Defense News. ’However, there are also large drones manufactured by Baykar that could be modified. In that case, you have an unmanned aircraft that you have to convert into a real aircraft. But we are starting with a real aircraft that we will convert into an unmanned aircraft," Cingolani continued, considering another possible approach, whereby the Italian company would work with the Turkish drone manufacturer on this part of the project.
Another #GCAP milestone sneaking out today: Edgewing (@EdgewingLtd) is the name of the joint venture of @BAESystemsAir, @Leonardo_live, and @MHI_Group's #JAIEC which will develop the future trinational GCAP combat aircraft. pic.twitter.com/oWyZexjtzh
— Tony Osborne (@Rotorfocus) June 20, 2025
Leonardo and Baykar, whose Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles played a key role in Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion, signed an agreement this year unrelated to the GCAP project to cooperate in the development of new drones. Both companies estimate that the acquisition of drones, currently much talked about due to Russian aggression, will reach a value of up to $100 billion in the coming years. However, GCAP's considerations are moving towards a stand-alone machine that would be as capable as a full-fledged piloted fighter jet. In this regard, the Italians mentioned the newer Turkish Bayraktar Kızılelma, which they believe comes closest to their shared vision.
The programme will continue to focus on the development of the main aircraft in the coming years, but partner countries will have a free hand in exploring the possibilities of unmanned operation. If the governments approve the involvement of other partners, Turkish drone technology could be used. And it's not just Turkey, but potentially also Saudi Arabia, which would provide another significant part of the necessary funding for the project. At a conference on the latest developments in the trilateral project during the Paris Air Show, Cingolani confirmed earlier information about the aircraft, including its intended gigantic dimensions. The wingspan is expected to reach 40 metres. To give you an idea, the most advanced American aircraft, the F-35 and F-22, currently have a wingspan of just over 13 metres, depending on the configuration. The programme by BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. will operate worldwide under the name Edgewing, which may also be the name of the aircraft itself in the future.
An exciting new partnership has launched that will advance the global defence ecosystem.
— Edgewing (@EdgewingLtd) June 20, 2025
Discover Edgewing, a joint venture uniting the strengths of the #UK, #Italy, & #Japan to pioneer a truly capable next generation combat air system.https://t.co/i4EJIzJrWs pic.twitter.com/gkmfe0XR6F
"We are ready to stick to the plan, but development is complex," said the head of Leonardo in connection with the implementation of the project by 2035, as originally set out by Italy, Britain and Japan. According to him, the deadline is binding, but it will require every effort to meet it. GCAP was originally created as an effort to have a European-Japanese fighter jet, whose operation, distribution, improvement and repairs would be managed by the countries themselves without the need for supervision and approval by third parties, particularly in view of the purchase of new F-35s from the United States.
France, Germany and Spain are also cooperating in a similar way, albeit independently for the time being. However, one of the partners in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, Airbus, has already expressed its interest in a possible merger with GCAP, or at least cooperation. Nevertheless, some of the participants in the Global Combat Air Programme are sceptical about meeting the 2035 targets, according to Reuters, particularly the Japanese. This is one of the reasons why they are now considering further orders for American F-35s in addition to those already purchased to cover any shortfall after the rest of the current ageing fleet is decommissioned.
