Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan are working together on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), aiming to develop a sixth-generation supersonic military fighter jet, set to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon. The project, known as Tempest, is part of a broader initiative to enhance defense capabilities and international partnerships.
Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani emphasised at the B7 Summit that Italy is open to involving other countries in the GCAP. Tajani described the project as not only industrial but also political, fostering a strong bond among the three G7 nations. The initiative, originally launched by the UK in July 2018, gained Italy and Japan as partners and aims to have the new fighter operational by 2035.
Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are key strategic partners in this ambitious program. The Tempest project is described as a "system of systems" on Leonardo's website, indicating its integration across five domains: air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The new fighter jet will serve as the core platform, linked to various piloted and unpiloted systems.
The joint statement from the UK, Italy, and Japan, released on December 9, 2022, highlighted the economic and industrial benefits of the program. It is expected to support employment, attract investment in digital design and advanced manufacturing, and provide opportunities for highly skilled technicians and engineers.
A crucial aspect of the GCAP is its emphasis on interoperability with allies and partners, including the USA, NATO, and other European and Indo-Pacific nations. This cooperation aims to ensure the new fighter jet can operate seamlessly within a broad air combat system across multiple areas.
Japan's involvement in the GCAP marks its first joint defense equipment development with countries other than the United States, reflecting Japan's strategic shift amid China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement was formalized in Tokyo last December during a visit by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and his counterparts from Japan and the UK. In March, Japan's ruling coalition agreed to allow the export of fighter jets developed under the GCAP to countries with defense agreements with Japan, provided they are not involved in active conflicts.
The GCAP represents a significant step forward in international defense collaboration, with Italy, the UK, and Japan leading the charge towards next-generation military aviation technology.
