The U.S. Japan and Italy Unite for 6th-Gen Fighter: Who’s Footing the Bill?

UK, Japan, and Italy Jointly Develop GCAP
UK and Japan Each Expected to Cover 40% of the Costs
Italy Alone to Bear Just 20%

Currently, the F-22 and F-35 are the most potent fighters globally, categorized as fifth-generation fighters. Nonetheless, nations across the globe are actively engaged in crafting even more cutting-edge next-generation fighters, precisely known as sixth-generation fighters. One of the most representative projects in this regard is the Global Combat Air Program, also known as GCAP, which the UK, Italy, and Japan jointly develop.

According to Reuters, the UK and Japan will bear the astronomical costs expected for this project, while Italy is expected to shoulder only 20% of the total expenses. Let’s quickly examine why this could be a problem.

It Started with the UK’s Tempest
Japan Joined in Midway

GCAP started with the Tempest project by the UK’s defense company, BAE Systems. Italy quickly joined the project, seeing significant benefits in BAE Systems’ advanced fighter development technology. The cost of developing a fighter jet equipped with various advanced features such as artificial intelligence, extensive data analysis, and quantum computing was so high that it would be impossible for most countries to develop it alone.

Japan initially embarked on the F-X project on its own but later decided to participate in the collaborative effort due to concerns about its feasibility in terms of cost and time if pursued independently. Since then, the project has encountered various challenges. However, it is presently advancing steadily. Both countries intend to develop their unmanned combat aircraft, a fundamental component of a sixth-generation fighter.

Paying the Cost Equates to Owning the Stake
Italy’s Stake is the Lowest

If Italy ends up bearing 20% of the cost while the UK and Japan each cover 40%, it is highly probable that Italy will lose its leading position to Japan in this project. Of course, all three countries have officially denied this, stating that it is not confirmed.

Experts point out that Italy has recently been passive in supporting Ukraine and is in a considerably weakened military condition.