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The Consortium for the GCAP Power and Propulsion System progresses toward ground-testing engine demonstrator

20 July 2026

GCAP Power and Propulsion System

Avio Aero (Italy), IHI Corporation (Japan) and Rolls-Royce have moved a step closer to ground-testing the engine demonstrator for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), following a series of consortium design reviews.

United by a shared vision, the consortium is driving the generational change in power and propulsion required to deliver the world’s most advanced next-generation combat aircraft. By strengthening their collaborative approach and reaching key technological milestones, the partners are advancing the capabilities that guarantee the future security of our nations.

Momentum with the Power and Propulsion System

The trilateral partnership is moving from strength to strength through enhanced consortium collaboration, uniting the partners into one truly collaborative international team.

The past year has seen the opening of a dedicated Collaboration Hub in Reading, UK, creating a central location for partner co-location and closer collaboration with the GCAP Agency and Edgewing. More than a physical workspace, it represents a tangible demonstration of the long-term commitment, trust and collaboration that underpins the international partnership.

Technology development also continues to advance. The consortium reviews have moved the programme towards final approval of the all-new centre line engine demonstrator design, with continued progression of component manufacturing. Over 100 subscale component tests have been completed so far, bringing the consortium closer towards ground-testing the trilaterally-developed engine demonstrator, which will gather critical data to understand and shape the design and development of the full power and propulsion system for GCAP.

The engine demonstrator plays a crucial role in de-risking the programme, demonstrating maturity of innovative technology and integrated architecture, whilst being a mechanism to test and refine processes, tools and ways of working - contributing towards shortening the design and development cycle for GCAP. 

Edoardo Curti, General Manager of the Defense Business Unit, Avio Aero, said:

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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.”

Noriyuki Nakamura, Senior Technical Advisor, Aero Engine, Space & Defence Business Area, IHI Corporation, said:

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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 endeavour will open new horizons for the defence aerospace engine industry and nurture future business, talent and international partnerships.”

Phil Townley, Director of Future Programmes, Defence, Rolls-Royce, said:

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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.”

Economic Engine: Strengthening Skills and Industry

The consortium is driving economic prosperity and a highly-skilled talent pipeline across all three nations. The programme currently sustains more than 9,000 highly-skilled aerospace roles worldwide and continues to invest in the development of future talent across the partner nations.

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
  1. Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
  2. Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 47 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
  3. Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
  4. Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
  5. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).

www.rolls-royce.com

About IHI Corporation (Japan)

IHI is dedicated to creating new value for customers. From IHI’s origins as Japan’s first modern shipyard in 1853, IHI has expanded its business into various manufacturing fields, including onshore machinery, bridges, power plants and aero-engines. In fiscal 2025, the IHI Group recorded revenue of 1,643.4 billion yen and employed 26,224 people. IHI is Japan’s leading maker of jet engines and the primary contractor and manufacturer for aircraft engines used by Japan’s Ministry of Defense. The company also collaborates in international projects to develop and supply large and small engines, components, and modules for all types of civilian aircraft. IHI Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7013). For more information, please visit: https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/

About Avio Aero (Italy)

Avio Aero is a GE Aerospace company that designs, manufactures and maintains components and propulsion systems for civil and military aviation. Today, the company provides its customers with innovative technological solutions to quickly respond to the continuous changes required by the market: additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, as well as technologies dedicated to the production of transmissions, turbines, and combustors. The company's head office is in Rivalta di Torino, where its largest production facility is also located. Other important facilities are situated in Brindisi and Pomigliano d'Arco (Naples), with a total of around 4,900 employees employed in Italy. Abroad, it has a plant and a test center in Poland and a production and testing facility in the Czech Republic, with a total of around 1,100 employees. Through continuous investment in research and development and a consolidated network of relationships with major universities and international research centers, Avio Aero has developed a globally recognized level of technological and manufacturing excellence, as evidenced by the partnerships signed with the world's leading aviation companies.

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