The GCAP programme, run jointly by the UK, Italy and Japan to develop a 6th generation fighter, could gain a new partner in the form of Saudi Arabia.
The Middle Eastern country has been named as a possible member of the Global Combat Air Programme, according to Antonio Tajari, Italy’s Foreign Minister.
“The deal we have with Britain and Japan… I think will now be extended to Saudi Arabia,” Tajari said, according to Reuters.
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The expansion of the number of nations involved in the program is not surprising since the three partners discussed the possibility in early November.
Budgeted in the billions of euros, the GCAP is only expected to enter service in the mid-2030s and replace fighters such as the Boeing F-15 and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Industrial expansion
Saudi Arabia has sought to expand its air force’s fighter fleet and recently tried to order the Typhoon, but Germany, one of the partners in the program from the 1980s, initially blocked the attempt.
The government of the Arab kingdom has launched an ambitious industrialization project in the country to reduce dependence on oil. Defense investments are among the main focuses pursued.
The GCAP was launched in 2022 after the United Kingdom began studies for an advanced stealth fighter, the Tempest. Italy and Japan also soon showed interest in share responsibility for the program, which will be led by BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi.
Sweden participated in the studies for a while, but decided not to go ahead.
France, Germany and Spain have led their own project, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is expected to be joined by Belgium in 2025.
