Story perspectives

Leonardo opens GCAP’s first national site in Turin

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 6:34 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Leonardo Opens Turin Hub

Leonardo opened the Global Combat Air Programme’s first national site in Turin, Italy.
Edgewing Italia will host about 1,000 staff as the programme’s Italian operational hub.
Edgewing received a £4.6 billion contract on 3 July for an 18-month advanced analysis phase.
Edgewing Ltd. is owned equally by Leonardo, BAE Systems and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co.
Chairman Herman Claesen and CEO Marco Zoff lead Edgewing Ltd.

Summary

GCAP Fighter Gains AI

The GCAP fighter will feature AI-assisted piloting and advanced stealth capabilities.
It will conduct long-range surveillance, strike missions, and act as a “team captain” directing drones.
The programme aims to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in the RAF and the F-2 in Japan.
Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero and IHI are jointly developing the aircraft’s propulsion system.
ELT Group, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Electric supply the fighter’s sensors, communications and electronics.

History

Historical Context

The Eurofighter Typhoon program, formed in the mid-1990s, signed its first production deal on 30 January 1998 among the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Its multinational work-share model—evident in the 620-aircraft production contract—now underpins the 2024 Global Combat Air Programme, where Leonardo, BAE Systems and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. pool £4.6 billion for a Turin hub.

1 of 3

Leonardo Opens Turin Hub

Leonardo opened the Global Combat Air Programme’s first national site in Turin, Italy.
Edgewing Italia will host about 1,000 staff as the programme’s Italian operational hub.
Edgewing received a £4.6 billion contract on 3 July for an 18-month advanced analysis phase.
Edgewing Ltd. is owned equally by Leonardo, BAE Systems and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co.
Chairman Herman Claesen and CEO Marco Zoff lead Edgewing Ltd.

1 / 3