CaliToday (13/9/2025): A multinational engine consortium developing the next-generation fighter engine for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has taken a significant step toward closer collaboration with the program's airframe developers as preparations for a first flight get underway.
The joint venture comprising Japan's IHI, the UK's Rolls-Royce, and Italy's Avio Aero has announced a new cooperation agreement with Edge Wing, a consortium formed by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and the Japan Aircraft Industries and Engineering Promotion Corporation (JAIEC).
According to a joint statement, this expanded collaboration will accelerate the development of the XFP30 engine demonstrator model and simplify the transition from separate national contracts to a unified international framework. The move is aimed at strengthening joint engineering efforts and laying the groundwork for the full-scale production of GCAP's sixth-generation fighter engine.
"This collaboration represents a new era for combat air propulsion," said Atsushi Sato, Executive Vice President and Head of Aerospace and Defense Business at IHI. “By combining Japan's innovation in advanced technologies with the strengths of our UK and Italian partners, we are creating an engine that delivers superior performance for GCAP, while also strengthening the shared industrial base of our three nations.”
GCAP is a trilateral initiative led by Japan, the UK, and Italy to develop a sixth-generation fighter aircraft by the mid-2030s. The engine is expected to feature a host of advanced technologies, including advanced cooling systems, high-temperature materials, and additive manufacturing.
Development of the XFP30 prototype, which is designed to de-risk core technologies for the final production engine, is advancing rapidly. Engineers from IHI, Rolls-Royce, and Avio Aero have already begun procuring hardware and conducting joint design reviews.
One of the program's recent engineering milestones was the successful test of a new combustor produced using advanced Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM). According to the consortium, this new combustor incorporates complex shapes to allow for enhanced cooling pathways. This enables the turbine to operate at higher temperatures while reducing component wear, thereby extending the engine's durability and operational performance.
“We are proud to contribute our expertise and deep knowledge in the design, development, and production of advanced engine technologies to this important international partnership,” shared Pierfederico Scarpa, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Avio Aero. “By working closely with Rolls-Royce and IHI, we are not only developing the propulsion system for GCAP but also shaping the future of our three nations' aerospace collaboration.”
Phil Townley, Future Combat Programmes Director at Rolls-Royce, called the agreement "a major step forward" and said it would transform GCAP "from a collection of national programs into a truly international team.” Townley added: “By combining our complementary expertise, we are accelerating technological breakthroughs in materials, manufacturing, and design, which will in turn propel GCAP and strengthen the defense industrial base across the UK, Italy, and Japan.”
The engine development effort reflects a shift toward faster, more collaborative approaches in international defense programs, the team said. Joint teams are already working at common locations and frequently conduct multinational design reviews a method the consortium members believe can serve as a model for future global programs.
The GCAP engine is expected to power a future fleet of stealth fighter jets being co-developed by the UK, Italy, and Japan. The first flight of the demonstrator platform is anticipated to take place within the next few years.
