1st Public-Private Contract Signed for Next-Generation Fighter Jets by Japan, U.K., Italy

By Takehito Kudo / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

15:22 JST, April 3, 2026

LONDON — An intergovernmental organization of Japan, Britain and Italy managing a joint development project for next-generation fighter jets, and a joint venture funded by companies in those countries announced Thursday that they signed the project’s first public-private contract.

The tri-party organization is GCAP (Global Combat Air Program) International Government Organization, or GIGO, and the joint venture is Edgewing.

Conclusion of the public-private contract fell behind schedule.

The contract signed Wednesday covers funding mainly for the design of the fighter plane among other things. The contract period is relatively short, lasting until the end of June. Whether it can be switched to a long-term contract remains to be seen. Initially, the three countries were planning to execute the contract by the end of 2025.

The three countries are aiming to develop sixth-generation fighter jets superior to the F-35 of the United States and other fighter planes currently in service, and deploy them in 2035. Each of the countries has signed a deal with major defense companies in their domain. The contract signed is set to pave the way for efficient management and operation of the project.