Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy are open to allowing Saudi Arabia to join their upcoming sixth-generation fighter jet initiative, but only once the project has advanced further and key issues have been addressed. This is according to a report by The Japan Times.
The effort, known as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), aims to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft. It is currently expected to remain a trilateral project until the GIGO (GCAP International Government Organization) and the industry-led joint venture, Edgewing, sign their first international contract likely by the end of 2025.
The GIGO, officially launched in Reading, England, on Monday, was established last year to coordinate government-level efforts for the program. Edgewing, launched last month, involves the UK’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan’s Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Its role is to design and develop the aircraft.
A source told The Japan Times that there is no outright exclusion of Saudi Arabia from the program, but certain criteria must be defined, and all points clarified first. Riyadh has been encouraged to develop its aerospace capabilities potentially including the acquisition and assembly of Eurofighter Typhoons before joining GCAP.
Several other countries have also reportedly expressed interest, including two unnamed European nations, one Middle Eastern country, and one Asian nation. However, the specifics of their participation and contributions are still undefined. Any expansion of the program would require unanimous approval from Japan, the UK, and Italy.
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