The chief executive of the Edgewing joint venture said the 2035 in-service target for the Global Combat Air Programme fighter jet will hold even if new countries join the British, Italian and Japanese effort.
Marco Zoff, CEO of Edgewing, spoke at the Farnborough Airshow on Monday. He stated there is strong pressure from the three governments to keep the schedule strict.
Canada has reached a deal to become an observer, with an announcement expected on Tuesday. Zoff described any new partner as a net positive that would not jeopardize the final timeline.
The joint venture secured a £4.6 billion contract earlier in July. The concept assessment phase is due by the end of 2027. Japan seeks to meet the 2035 deadline as its F-2 fighters begin retiring.
