Italy Signals Possible Expansion of UK–Italy–Japan Fighter Jet Programme
Italy’s defence minister has said additional countries could join the international programme developing a next-generation combat aircraft led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) brings together Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the goal of producing an advanced fighter jet by 2035.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said that Canada is currently involved as an observer and could potentially take a more active role in the project. He added that the programme remains open to new partners in order to share costs and strengthen collaboration.
Crosetto also suggested that other countries, including Germany or Saudi Arabia, could be considered for future participation, noting that broader involvement would help reduce financial burdens and improve development capacity.
The GCAP initiative is regarded as one of the most ambitious defence projects currently underway, aiming to develop a sixth-generation fighter aircraft through multinational cooperation.
Meanwhile, separate European defence projects have faced challenges, including disagreements that recently led Germany and France to abandon a joint next-generation combat aircraft programme.
Discussions on expanding GCAP participation are ongoing as partner nations assess long-term strategic and industrial benefits.
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