Italy Explores Broader Participation in GCAP Programme

Rome, December 4, 2025 – Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced that countries such as Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada may express interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in the future. Currently, the GCAP initiative involves Italy, Britain, and Japan, and is focused on developing a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.

The programme is led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), BAE Systems (Britain), and Leonardo (Italy), with a shared vision of integrating stealth fighters and advanced drone technology into a cohesive combat air system.

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Germany and Australia Potential Future Participants

Speaking at a parliamentary hearing, Minister Crosetto said, “Germany could probably join this project in the future,” noting that the country is already involved in the 100-billion-euro Future Combat Air System (FCAS) alongside France and Spain. The FCAS programme has faced delays and disputes over technology sharing and industrial workshare, making GCAP a complementary opportunity for broader collaboration.

Crosetto also indicated that Australia may be interested in joining the GCAP venture, reflecting the programme’s growing international appeal. Requests from Saudi Arabia and Canada have also been registered, signaling a potential global expansion of partners.

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GCAP: A Vision for Next-Generation Air Combat

The GCAP initiative envisions stealth fighters operating in tandem with drones, with participating nations agreeing to cooperate on equal terms. Crosetto emphasized the benefits of international collaboration:

• Greater critical mass for investment
• Pooling of technological and human expertise
• Increased economic returns
• Lower individual country costs

The programme aims to deliver a cutting-edge air combat system by 2035, enhancing national defense capabilities and fostering global industrial partnerships.

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Strategic Implications for the Defence Industry

Adding new countries to the GCAP programme could significantly:

• Strengthen military collaboration across Europe, Asia, and other regions
• Accelerate research and development of stealth technology and drone integration
• Expand market opportunities for European and Japanese defence contractors
• Provide cost-sharing advantages for high-budget, high-tech fighter projects

Crosetto stressed that Italy is creating clear pathways for interested countries to join, signaling a flexible and inclusive approach to expanding the GCAP partnership.

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Conclusion

Italy’s GCAP programme is positioning itself as a next-generation fighter jet initiative with global participation potential, attracting interest from major defence powers including Germany and Australia. By fostering international collaboration, the programme aims to pool expertise, share costs, and deliver advanced air combat capabilities by 2035, solidifying its role in the future of global military aviation.