Tensions Emerge Within GCAP as Italy Criticizes UK Over Technology Sharing
Guido Crosetto urges London to overcome "selfishness" in the trilateral sixth-generation fighter jet program GCAP.
The ambitious Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral initiative between Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035, is facing significant internal tensions. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has publicly voiced concerns over the UK's apparent reluctance to fully share key technologies within the project.
In an interview with Reuters on April 15, Crosetto—a prominent member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party—emphasized GCAP’s strategic importance but warned that its success hinges on equitable collaboration between the partners.
“Sharing technology when joint investments are made is crucial for a serious partnership,” Crosetto stated.
The Italian minister was direct in his criticism of London, urging the removal of what he called “barriers of selfishness.” He added, “No one can be seen as first- or second-class anymore, clinging to old legacies.” Crosetto contrasted the UK’s stance with that of Italy, which he claimed had entirely dismantled such barriers, and Japan, which he said had done so “almost completely.” While he did not specify which technologies might be withheld, his remarks point to friction over a key pillar of the program: the free flow of technology and joint development.
In response, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) defended the state of the collaboration. A MoD spokesperson, in a statement emailed to media, described GCAP as “a leading example of the strength of joint programs” and asserted that “the technologies we are developing and the capabilities we are building together are at the forefront of science and engineering.” They added, “Together, we will put one of the most advanced combat aircraft in the world into the skies.”
Strategic Context and Structure of GCAP
Formally launched in December 2022, GCAP merges the UK-led Tempest project (which initially included Italian participation) with Japan’s F-X program. The goal is to develop a stealth, multi-role fighter jet, capable of both manned and unmanned operation. It will feature artificial intelligence, advanced sensor fusion, a next-generation integrated electronic suite with exponentially higher data processing capabilities, and cutting-edge weaponry. The aircraft is intended to replace the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons, Italy’s Aeronautica Militare fleet, and Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2s, complementing existing F-35 deployments.
The program’s structure was formalized through an international treaty in December 2023, establishing the GCAP International Governmental Organization (GIGO), headquartered in the UK, with its first CEO from Japan, to oversee government-level cooperation.
On the industrial side, leading firms—BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and the Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. (JAIEC) consortium—agreed to form a joint venture with equal 33.3% shares. Expected to be established by mid-2025 and also based in the UK, this JV will serve as the design authority and lead the development of the combat air system.
From its inception, GCAP has emphasized equal partnership, aiming to ensure technological and operational sovereignty for all member nations—an approach shaped by past experiences with programs like the F-35. Crosetto’s comments suggest that, in practice, this principle of technology sharing may not be fully upheld.
Potential Expansion and the Road Ahead
Crosetto also reaffirmed Italy’s support for potentially including Saudi Arabia in the program, arguing that the kingdom has both the technological growth needs and the financial means to make a meaningful contribution. While such expansion could help reduce unit costs through economies of scale, it would also introduce added complexity in technology transfer and partner dynamics.
Resolving these tensions around tech-sharing will be critical to keeping GCAP on track. The program aims for a demonstrator flight before the decade’s end and an in-service date of 2035. The challenge will be maintaining political and industrial cohesion at a time when interoperability, supply chain resilience, and strategic autonomy are central to long-term military planning.
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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