In a context of growing international collaboration for the air defense of the future, Leonardo positions itself as a key player and undisputed leader of the Italian industry within the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This ambitious trinational project, which sees Italy alongside the United Kingdom and Japan for the development of the sixth-generation fighter aircraft, finds in Leonardo a distinctive contribution, capable of harmonizing skills and technologies on multiple fronts.

This was emphasized by Marco Zoff, former General Manager of Leonardo's Aircraft Division, speaking at the conference "Global Air Combat Programme: sovereignty and cooperation, technology and industry", held today at the Aeronautical Academy of Milan, a timely symposium organized by the Military Aerospace Studies Center of the Arma Aeronautica Association, aimed at taking stock of the GCAP program and the role of the Italian industry. 

Zoff highlighted how Italy, through the Leonardo Group, possesses a broader range of skills compared to its international partners who, while boasting aerospace excellences, do not have the same capacity for development and integration of complex aerial platforms in a comprehensive 360-degree manner as Leonardo does — capable of designing, developing, and manufacturing aerial systems from start to finish. Furthermore, it extends its expertise to highly strategic sectors such as advanced electronics and space. This integration of complex, multidomain systems, the engineer stressed, is a superior strength that allows Leonardo to position itself as the main general systems integrator in the program.

Among the specific competencies brought to the table, Zoff mentioned flight and weapon systems, wing and structural design, next-generation avionics, and flight management systems. Another crucial aspect highlighted is Leonardo's structural ability to effectively interact and collaborate with small and medium-sized Italian enterprises. This collaborative network is considered a significant added value for the overall Italian contribution to GCAP, strengthening the entire national industrial ecosystem in the Defense sector. Leonardo's commitment to GCAP, therefore, not only consolidates Italy's position in the global air defense landscape, but promises to generate a technological and employment spillover of strategic importance.

In addition to Leonardo for Italy, the other two main industries engaged in the GCAP program are BAE Systems for the United Kingdom and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for Japan. These three companies lead the industrial consortium that is developing the fighter, with an equitable distribution of responsibilities and shares in the project.