Global Combat Air Programme to Possibly Include More Countries

Defense News ,Italy, Japan,UK :- Members of the Global Air Combat Programme (GCAP) are currently contemplating the prospect of expanding their initiative to include participation from additional countries.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto disclosed that Italy, Japan, and the UK are open to forming collaborations with other nations to collectively develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter. However, they plan to entertain such partnerships only after completing the initial phase of the program.

The primary focus of the program at the moment is managing its internal affairs. Recently, the GCAP International Government Organization was established to "pursue the guidance, direction, control, supervision, and management of the GCAP on behalf of the Parties."

Having been initiated in 2022, the program aims to deliver its first operational jet by the year 2035.

Several nations have expressed interest in joining the program, although Italian Defense Minister Crosetto did not specify which ones when questioned about the involvement of countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia expressed interest in becoming part of the coalition. However, Tokyo opposed the proposal, asserting that it could complicate discussions concerning potential buyers of the aircraft. Concerns were raised about possible setbacks if another country were to join the program during its early development phase.

Rumors suggest that other countries expressing interest in joining GCAP include Sweden and Germany. Both nations have previously been involved in Europe's Future Combat Air System, another collaborative effort in the development of multi-nation fighter jets.