Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero, and IHI Corporation have completed a key round of design reviews for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This brings the next-generation fighter engine closer to ground testing. The update, announced on July 20, marks an important step in the development of the power and propulsion system for the future combat aircraft being jointly developed by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.
The three companies are creating a new engine to meet the high power, propulsion, and cooling needs of the future fighter. This progress comes after a year of working together and gets the engine demonstrator ready for its next big step.
Design work advances toward engine testing
The consortium said the recent design reviews have moved the program closer to final approval of the main engine demonstrator. Teams in all three partner countries have already started making engine parts.
Engineers have finished over 100 tests on smaller components. The data from the full engine demonstrator will help decide the final design of the power and propulsion system for the GCAP aircraft.
The demonstrator should help reduce technical and program risks before the aircraft moves to later development stages. It will also test engineering methods, digital tools, and production techniques to help speed up the design and development process.
The international consortium comprising Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero and IHI announces significant progress against key milestones in the development of the next-generation power & propulsion system for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Read more: https://t.co/CdIVn77J7D… pic.twitter.com/nb7ki7WwMs
— Rolls-Royce (@RollsRoyce) July 20, 2026
Collaboration expands across partner nations
To help teams work more closely, the companies have opened a Collaboration Hub in Reading, United Kingdom. The facility allows teams from Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero, and IHI Corporation to work together in one place with the GCAP Agency and Edgewing.
According to the consortium, the new center reflects how the growing partnership between the three companies has grown after a year of working more closely together on the engine program.
“The progresses achieved by the teams across our three companies in developing the engine demonstrator represent a significant milestone in our shared commitment to delivering next-generation capability and meeting our customers’ evolving requirements. We are proud to continue strengthening our collaboration with Rolls-Royce and IHI, laying the groundwork for a strong, long-term partnership under GCAP,” Edoardo Curti, General Manager of the Defense Business Unit, Avio Aero, highlighted.
Engine designed for future combat systems
Unlike conventional fighter engines, the GCAP engine is being built to handle the high electrical and cooling needs of advanced onboard systems, such as future sensors and weapons.
“We aren’t just generating thrust; we are creating a flying power station capable of managing the unprecedented electrical and thermal loads required by next-generation sensors and weapon systems. Working as one trilateral team with Avio Aero and IHI, we are breaking down geographical and industrial boundaries to deliver this capability at pace,” said Phil Townley, Director of Future Programs, Defense, Rolls-Royce.
Noriyuki Nakamura, Senior Technical Advisor, Aero Engine, Space & Defense Business Area, IHI Corporation, added, “Within this international framework, IHI is integrating Japan’s cutting-edge engine technologies with the outstanding expertise of Avio Aero and Rolls-Royce to shape a new generation of power and propulsion – the ‘heart’ of tomorrow’s combat aircraft. By building a network of trust and co-creation that transcends national and corporate boundaries, this multi-decade endeavor will open new horizons for the defense aerospace engine industry and nurture future business, talent and international partnerships.”
Program supports thousands of aerospace jobs
The companies said the GCAP engine program currently supports over 9,000 skilled aerospace jobs around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.
As the design improves, the consortium’s next goal is to start ground testing the engine demonstrator. The test results will check how well the engine works and how it handles the electrical power and heat from the aircraft’s future systems before moving to full-scale development.
