Last week, Italy leveled accusations against the United Kingdom regarding its alleged refusal to share key technologies for the development of the new sixth-generation fighter jet, known as GCAP, which also includes Japan as a partner. In addition, it was noted that a potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the program—an interest that has been evident since 2023—is being driven primarily by Rome in an effort to expand its influence over partner decisions.
The accusations came from the highest level, specifically from Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who stated in response to media questions: “There is no longer anyone who can consider themselves first or second class and who wants to defend old legacies. Some barriers of selfishness must be torn down. Italy has completely torn them down, Japan almost completely. It seems to me that the UK is much more reluctant to do so, and that is a mistake, because selfishness is the worst enemy of nations.”
In response to Minister Crosetto’s remarks, the UK Ministry of Defence argued that the development of the GCAP program is a “leading example” of jointly conducted programs, adding that the aircraft will be at the forefront of modern engineering. It is worth noting that neither the Italian nor the British side has specified which technological components are causing the dispute, preventing a deeper analysis of the issue.
It is also useful to recall that the development of the future sixth-generation GCAP fighter is being led by the British company BAE Systems, the Italian firm Leonardo, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. As previously stated, the goal of the three governments is for these companies to complete the design and manufacturing of the platform in time for initial deliveries in 2035. By then, the UK Royal Air Force and Italy’s Aeronautica Militare aim to retire their Eurofighter jets—currently complemented by F-35Bs—while Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force would replace its Mitsubishi F-2s.
Until the aforementioned accusations emerged, the program appeared to be progressing without major issues in terms of partner cooperation. A clear indication of this was the 2023 agreement establishing equal participation among contractors from the three nations in the GCAP development, replacing the former UK-led Tempest project with one of greater international participation—a program that could expand even further if Saudi Arabia decides to join. For Minister Crosetto, the matter is clear: “The choice of Japan was key in this respect, as is Saudi Arabia, which needs technological growth and has more resources than our three countries.”
To understand Saudi Arabia’s interest in the project, one must go back to early March 2023, when then-British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace was received by Minister Khalid bin Salman during an official visit. As Minister Crosetto noted, Saudi Arabia’s considerable financial contributions would be critical for a project of this magnitude, which none of the current partner countries could develop on their own. However, British media reports now indicate that in addition to the previous willingness to deepen ties with Riyadh, there are new concerns about how such a move might affect the UK’s influence within the GCAP program.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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