Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan have launched “GCAP Electronics Evolution,” the consortium tasked with developing the advanced sensing and communications architecture of the sixth-generation GCAP fighter, the trilateral programme set to debut in 2035.
Why it matters. The consortium’s launch marks the transition from a political–industrial understanding to a fully-fledged commercial structure, reinforcing the partners’ long-term commitment.
ISANKE & ICS – the integrated sensing and communications suite – is the technological core of the programme: the ability to process and integrate massive volumes of data will be the defining feature of the fighter compared to previous generations.
It represents a pivotal step in consolidating trilateral cooperation between Europe and Asia in advanced defence technologies.
The players:
Mitsubishi Electric (Japan)
Leonardo UK (United Kingdom)
Leonardo (Italy)
ELT Group (Italy)
The context. The cooperation was first announced at DSEI Japan 2023 and took shape with the consortium agreement signed in August 2025. The official announcement came this week at DSEI UK in London.
The consortium will conclude a contract with Edgewing, the joint venture of BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, acting as the programme’s system integrator.
The mission:
To design and deliver ISANKE & ICS (Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications Systems).
To provide the Through-Life Support Service (TLSS), ensuring long-term integrated logistics support.
To combine national expertise and resources to strengthen security, industrial competitiveness and technological capability across the three partner nations.
Where? The leadership team will be based in Reading, United Kingdom, close to the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) — which represents the three defence ministries — and to Edgewing.
What we’re watching. The consortium is set to become the technological hub of the GCAP programme, with strategic implications that go well beyond military aviation: from industrial integration to geopolitical cooperation between Europe and Asia.
For Italy, it means a leading role in the technological value chain of the sixth-generation fighter and a stronger industrial partnership with the UK and Japan.
AloJapan.com