Leonardo projects 350 aircraft orders for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint initiative between Italy, Japan, and the UK, by 2035. The program, which will introduce the Tempest fighter, has secured €40 billion ($43.7 billion) in development funding from its partner nations. Japan currently operates 39 F-35A/Bs, while Italy and the UK field 31 and 35 F-35 variants, respectively. A joint venture between BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company will oversee aircraft production across the UK, Italy, and Japan. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) remains focused on developing an F-2 replacement, based on the Lockheed F-16 design.
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