The GCAP Agency has officially moved the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) into its full design and development phase by awarding a GBP4.6 billion (USD6.1 billion) contract to Edgewing on July 3, 2026.
Edgewing, the trinational industrial consortium, secured the contract on behalf of Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
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This agreement follows a transitional GBP686 million bridge contract awarded in April 2026.
Contract Scope and Funding
The international government organization confirmed that the funds will be used to conclude current assessments and establish deep technical frameworks for the joint stealth fighter initiative.
Edgewing stated: "The GBP4.6 billion contract will enable completion of the advanced concept and assessment phase of the programme, and further joint detailed design and development."
The 18-month contract is managed by the GCAP Agency, which oversees the programme on behalf of the three governments.
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The contract aligns with the UK Defence Investment Plan 2026 released on June 30, which allocated GBP8.6 billion to GCAP over four years.
British defense officials emphasized the strategic importance of this long-term collaborative spending plan.
"This is a very significant investment in GCAP, alongside Japan and Italy," an official said.
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"Obviously, that will provide funding through the concept and into the design of that project, and it will be a key priority for this [UK] government."
