The United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan announced today that they will be forming a joint venture to develop, design, and produce an advanced stealth fighter jet. This collaboration marks a significant advancement compared to the 2022 agreement to create a shared fighter jet, known as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). The aim is to develop a successor to the Eurofighter and Japan’s F-2 fighter, which is scheduled for retirement by 2040.
The new company, with each country contributing 33.3%, will include British aerospace company BAE Systems, Italian defense contractor Leonardo, and Japanese Aircraft Industrial Enhancement. The company will have offices in the UK, with the first managing director to be from Italy.
“Peace must be protected, and the defense of peace has a cost. That’s why synergies between governments and companies are crucial; no one can do this alone, and GCAP is a fantastic example,” said Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, during the signing of the agreement.
In November, the three nations discussed expanding the project to other countries, with Italy’s Foreign Minister suggesting the program might include Saudi Arabia. “The door is open for other partners to join, and this includes Saudi Arabia, but ultimately, it is the decision of the three governments,” said BAE’s CEO, Herman Claessen.
By working together on this project, previously known in the UK as Tempest, the three countries will share billions of dollars in costs while securing orders for the stealth fighter. The program also aims to explore international markets to boost sales.
Some analysts suggest that full Saudi participation might complicate consensus on export policies. Meanwhile, France, Germany, and Spain are collaborating on their own next-generation fighter.
The plan includes the stealth fighter operating alongside unmanned aerial vehicles, with the first aircraft expected to enter service by 2035, a timeline that some defense experts consider ambitious.
“This is absolutely our target date for the program, and it remains the objective,” said Claessen, adding that the rapid development of the company places GCAP well ahead of the Eurofighter.
