VIVAERO

Italian industry officially enters next phase of development of 6th generation fighter

A team of Italian companies that will participate in the development of the new Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) has signed a contract to support the Italian Ministry of Defense in the new concept and evaluation phase of the program and related demonstration activities.

The team, which includes Leonardo – as a strategic partner – and Italy's leading companies in their respective domains: Elettronica, Avio Aero and MBDA Italia, will advance technology development in support of GCAP's 'system of systems' concept, based on sixth-generation air combat platforms operating in multi-domain scenarios.

The industry will collaborate with universities, research centers, SMEs and start-ups, allowing the exchange of knowledge and the growth of skills at a national level, all in close partnership with the Italian Ministry of Defence. The Ministry will be responsible for defining operational needs and directing technological development, with industry support.

Alessandro Profumo, CEO of Leonardo, said: “This new phase is a crucial step in the process of identifying and deploying innovative technologies that will ensure that our defense capabilities make the necessary generational, technological and operational leap, allowing our national company to reach the highest level of excellence and strategic autonomy. As part of the GCAP programme, Italian companies will play a key role in the future of the defense industry at a national and international level. This will happen in a framework of growth that strengthens the operational capacity of our Armed Forces and, at the same time, generates positive returns, including technological, economic and social progress for the entire national ecosystem”.

Enzo Benigni, President and CEO of Elettronica said: “With the launch of this new phase of the GCAP program, we are developing a technology and industry blueprint that will move Italy’s technology sector out of the Typhoon era, the last major European combat air development program. , in a new era of air combat underpinned by sixth-generation capabilities. The broader geopolitical context highlights how vital it is to achieve the right level of technology readiness, interoperability and availability. Thus, we will be prepared to manage any crisis that may affect us”.

Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero said: “Today's challenging geopolitical context requires technological solutions that focus on operational excellence and adaptability to future scenarios. The GCAP program responds to this need and will support the requirements of the Armed Forces, guaranteeing strategic autonomy. Avio Aero, as a European company in the propulsion sector and a long-standing partner of the Armed Forces, brings its capabilities and recognized technological excellence to the program, as well as continues to invest in the development of innovative technologies with the support and involvement of its network collaborations with universities, research centers and SMEs”.