Key facts
- Italy's defense minister indicated that more nations are willing to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter jet project.
- Canada is reportedly the most interested country at the moment, seeking observer status.
- Italy is open to including Germany and Saudi Arabia in the venture.
- The GCAP project is a joint effort by Britain's BAE Systems, Italy's Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement (JAIEC).
- The goal is to develop and build a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.
More countries could potentially join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter jet project, which involves Italy, Britain, and Japan, according to Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. He stated on Tuesday that opening the venture to additional nations would facilitate greater cost-sharing.
Canada has expressed significant interest in joining GCAP as an observer, and Italy is fully open to this possibility. Crosetto also indicated a willingness to include Germany or Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that broader participation would increase the chances of successfully developing the project and reducing costs.