ROME, November 19 - The leaders of Italy, Japan, and Britain convened at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro to explore the expansion of their collaborative effort, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This initiative, aimed at developing a next-generation fighter jet to enter service around the mid-2030s, has been a significant step in tri-national defense cooperation. The GCAP was originally announced in December 2022 by the then-leaders of these nations to merge their individual next-generation fighter projects into a single, more advanced program.
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The aircraft, known as Tempest in the UK and F-X in Japan, is envisioned to be a sixth-generation stealth fighter, boasting capabilities like supersonic flight, advanced sensors, and AI integration. The project is led by BAE Systems from the UK, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan, and Leonardo from Italy, with the UK hosting the program's headquarters. During their recent talks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the potential inclusion of other countries into the GCAP framework. This broadening could not only share the financial burden of development but also enhance the technological input and market potential of the project.
The trio emphasized the importance of moving forward expeditiously with GCAP, recognizing the strategic value of fostering collaboration beyond just their three nations. The inclusion of other countries could involve both NATO allies and other partners with advanced defense technologies or significant defense markets, potentially like Canada, Australia, or even some Middle Eastern nations. This expansion strategy reflects a broader trend in defense where international cooperation is increasingly seen as vital for tackling high-cost, high-tech projects like next-generation aircraft. It also aims to counterbalance the rising competition from other blocs, notably China and Russia, in the global arms race for superior military technology.
While no specific countries were mentioned for inclusion, the discussions highlighted a common intent to strengthen the ongoing collaboration, potentially leading to a more robust and versatile fighter jet program. This could also serve to deepen diplomatic and military ties, fostering greater integration in defense capabilities among allied nations. By broadening the partnership, the GCAP could ensure its technological edge while sharing development costs and risks across a larger pool of nations.