Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has officially commented on the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter aircraft initiative jointly developed by Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Launched in 2022, GCAP stands as a collaboration aimed at designing, producing, and delivering next-generation manned fighter aircraft. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan, Leonardo from Italy, and BAE Systems from the UK are the system integrators in the programme. Member countries of GCAP are aiming to deploy their first aircraft by 2035.

Meloni commented on Saudi Arabia’s potential involvement by stating, “We are in favour of the Saudis joining, but clearly, this… won’t happen immediately.” The Italian Prime Minister also highlighted that the programme’s details are still not fully finalised among the three founding countries, adding, “Opening this multi-billion-euro plan to a fourth country will take time.”

Previously, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani suggested that expanding the GCAP partnership to include Saudi Arabia could be likely by November 2024. However, Meloni’s remarks represent the first official discussion that clarifies the countries’ positions on this matter.

The Potential and Opportunities of Saudi Arabia’s Involvement

Saudi Arabia announced its intention to join GCAP in March 2023 but withdrew its statement shortly thereafter. Nonetheless, discussions about Riyadh’s desire to participate in the programme continue to be reported. Saudi Arabia sees GCAP as an opportunity to fill the gap in its fighter jet fleet. Although the Kingdom intends to purchase Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the US, the Pentagon has refused to approve the deal due to security arrangements concerning Israel, pushing Riyadh to look for alternative solutions.

Saudi Arabia aims to play a significant role in technological developments, production contributions, and human capital for GCAP. The Kingdom also intends to make a substantial financial contribution to the programme. With its wealth, Saudi Arabia could assist in reducing costs by providing financial support to GCAP, which would speed up aircraft production and alleviate pressure on defence budgets.

Japan’s Hesitations and Potential Challenges

Saudi Arabia’s inclusion in GCAP is subject to unanimous approval from the three founding countries. While the UK and Italy appear willing to collaborate with Saudi Arabia, Japan has adopted a more cautious approach. Japan’s concerns include possible delays in the programme and export restrictions that could arise with Saudi Arabia’s participation. Moreover, Japan’s reservations are influenced by Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the civil war in Yemen and human rights issues. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s close ties with China are also viewed as a potential barrier.

Future of GCAP and Design Developments

GCAP plans to activate its first aircraft by 2035. Given the delays faced by the US Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme and the France-Germany-Spain Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the aircraft developed under GCAP will become the West’s first sixth-generation fighter.

At the Farnborough International Airshow last July, the GCAP partner nations unveiled a concept model for the new generation fighter. The design features a broader wingspan and places a strong focus on aerodynamic advancements. While the design is still evolving, the project is moving forward.

GCAP aims to replace existing aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Mitsubishi F-2. Additionally, the programme is set to take a leading role in the sixth-generation fighter jet export market.

The new generation fighter will be equipped with integrated sensors, intelligent weapon systems, software-driven interactive cockpits, and advanced radars. The aircraft will be designed for long-range combat and Pacific operations, with state-of-the-art radar and high-powered microwave capabilities. The programme aims to enhance situational awareness by using data networks supported by unmanned aerial vehicles and cloud computing.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s remarks indicate that Saudi Arabia’s entry into GCAP will be a lengthy process. There are several details to be resolved among the three founding nations, which could delay Saudi Arabia’s full participation. However, the Kingdom’s financial support and contributions to the defence industry present significant opportunities for GCAP.

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