DSEI 2023: MBDA and Mitsubishi Electric announce collaboration for GCAP Global Combat Air Program.

MBDA UK, MBDA Italia, and the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced a collaboration agreement at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 event. The agreement focuses on supporting the Effects domain for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a joint venture involving the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.

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Next-generation F-X fighter program  (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The collaboration aims to standardize the integration of weapons into the GCAP platform. Although the agreement does not involve the joint development of weapons or effectors, the companies will work to align national approaches to the integration of these systems.

Beyond weapons integration, collaboration will extend to weapons effects management and related technologies. This is intended to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the GCAP platform.

MBDA has been involved in several major defense programs and has a long history of collaboration. Mitsubishi Electric is recognized for its involvement in Japan's F-2 program and the development of the next-generation F-X fighter.

The collaboration seeks to ensure that the GCAP Effects domain is harmonized with other domains, such as mission systems, sensors, and energy. This is intended to help maximize the operational efficiency of the GCAP platform.