GCAP Electronics Evolution Consortium Formed to Develop Advanced Sensing and Communications for Next-Gen Fighter

Industry partners from Japan, the UK, and Italy have established the GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E) consortium to design and develop the integrated sensing and communications system for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The consortium includes Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Leonardo UK (UK), and Leonardo and ELT Group (Italy), following a collaboration agreement signed at DSEI Japan in March 2023 and a consortium agreement finalized in August 2025.

The G2E consortium is preparing to accept a contract from Edgewing, a joint venture between BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (Japan), which serves as the lead systems integrator for the GCAP combat aircraft. The consortium will focus on delivering the Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications Systems (ISANKE & ICS), a core component of the next-generation fighter, alongside its Through-Life Support Service (TLSS).

The ISANKE & ICS system is designed to manage and utilize extensive data in future operational environments, distinguishing the GCAP platform from previous combat aircraft generations. The consortium aims to meet GCAP’s ambitious timelines while ensuring accountability and supporting each nation’s autonomy in action and modification.

The G2E leadership team will be based in Reading, UK, ne...