GCAP was launched in December 2022 by Italy, Britain and Japan to deliver a next-generation fighter by 2035, integrating crewed and uncrewed platforms, sensors and data networks. Italy now expects early-phase costs to reach €18.6 billion, up from around €6 billion at 2021 prices when the programme was first drawn up, with the document stating: “That projected cost estimate has been updated over time to take into account rising technology-maturation, testing, development and design costs.”
The programme is being developed by a joint venture between Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, which is backed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Italy’s approval comes as the rival Future Combat Air System project led by France, Germany and Spain faces industrial tensions and key political decisions over its future.
In December, Italy said Germany and Australia could be interested in joining GCAP, and Italian media reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the matter at a summit in Rome last month. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani signalled openness to expansion on Wednesday, telling Sky tg24: “If there are other countries (willing to join), I am personally not against.”
