Formation of the GCAP Consortium
Defense electronics industry champions from Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy have formed a consortium, preparing partners to begin the design and development phase of the integrated sensing and communications component of the GCAP – Global Combat Air Programme.
The companies involved – Mitsubishi Electric for Japan, Leonardo UK for the United Kingdom, and Leonardo together with ELT Group for Italy – had announced the signing of a collaboration agreement at DSEI Japan in March 2023 and, after intense trilateral work, signed the consortium agreement last August.
The creation of the consortium therefore gives concrete form to the collaboration, giving it a commercial structure and marking a substantial step forward at the industrial level, while at the same time reinforcing the long-term commitment of the partners in the GCAP programme.
The consortium, named GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E), has been formed in anticipation of a contract with Edgewing, the joint venture between BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Japan), which plays the role of main system integrator for the GCAP combat aircraft.
The ISANKE & ICS
The four companies will collaborate to provide the advanced next-generation sensing and communications system, known as Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications Systems (ISANKE & ICS), along with the long-term integrated logistical support service (Through-Life Support Service – TLSS), which will accompany the system for decades.
ISANKE & ICS represent the heart of the GCAP programme. The integration and effective use of the vast amount of information available in future operational scenarios will be one of the distinctive elements that will differentiate the GCAP’s core platform from previous generations of combat aircraft.
The Consortium’s Goals
The consortium was established to operate in line with the ambitious timelines set by GCAP, while at the same time ensuring responsibility at all levels and safeguarding the freedom of action and modification of each partner country.
The consortium leadership team will be based in Reading, UK, close to the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) – which represents the three national Defense Ministries – and Edgewing, to ensure maximum collaboration with these bodies.
As a consortium, GCAP Electronics Evolution is committed to working in close synergy with all stakeholders to promote the common goals of security, economic development, and skill growth of the partner nations.
Through strengthening trilateral cooperation, it will continue to enhance the experience and resources of each participating country, with the goal of increasing security in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region for decades to come.
Source and image credit @Leonardo Press Office
