Italy, Britain, and Japan to Develop Next-Generation Fighter Aircraft

Italy, Great Britain, and Japan have joined forces to finance the development of a next-generation fighter aircraft over a span of 15 years, as reported by Reuters.

The next-generation fighter project, named GCAP, is expected to require substantial investments, but the participating countries have not yet reached an agreement on budget allocation and responsibilities for the project.

BAE Systems from the United Kingdom, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan, and Leonardo from Italy have announced that they have agreed on the next steps in conceptualizing this aircraft. Representatives from these three companies, in collaboration with defense officials from their respective countries, participated in the London defense exhibition, DSEI, to discuss the project's details with the goal of manufacturing the fighter aircraft by 2035.

A representative from the Italian Ministry of Defense expressed full support for the program, with funding allocated in the defense budget for the entire 15-year duration.

It is anticipated that Great Britain and Japan will play a pivotal role in this project, with Italy contributing only a fifth of the total development cost.

However, Richard Berthon, Director of Future Combat Air at the Ministry of Defense, stated on Wednesday that unlike previous joint projects, the GCAP budget will not be divided among countries like a pie in the early stages. Instead, financing flexibility will be ensured as the industrial capabilities of partners develop within the program.

Berthon noted that several other countries have expressed interest in the project, but the primary focus of all three partners remains on delivering the aircraft within tight timelines.

Responding to inquiries about Saudi Arabia's interest, given its long-standing defense ties with the United Kingdom, he mentioned that discussions had taken place regarding exploring future possibilities, but "no decisions have been made."

Recall that recently, experts estimated that Ukrainian pilots could begin flying F-16 fighter jets within three months. The Chief of the Air Force of the National Guard of the United States, Lieutenant General Michael Lo, announced that the first group of Ukrainian pilots undergoing training on F-16s in the United States may complete their training by the end of this year, with operational missions expected to occur later (anticipated in February 2024).