Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has voiced strong concerns regarding the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative initiative between Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet.
In an interview with Reuters, Minister Crosetto accused the UK of withholding crucial technologies, asserting that this “selfishness” jeopardizes the fundamental spirit of cooperation vital for the program’s success.
“You have to break down some barriers of selfishness. Italy has broken them down totally, Japan almost totally. It seems to me that the UK is much more reluctant to do this, and that’s a mistake because selfishness is the worst enemy of nations,” he added.
As a prominent figure in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet, Crosetto emphasized that the UK’s reluctance to share specific technologies undermines the strategic parity among the partner nations.
He stated unequivocally, “There is no longer anyone who can be considered first and second class,” noting that while Italy has fully eliminated past obstacles to collaboration and Japan has largely done so, the UK remains hesitant. The precise nature of the technologies being withheld was not disclosed.
In response, the British Ministry of Defense defended its role in the partnership, characterizing GCAP as a prime example of advanced multinational collaboration.
The GCAP project, launched in 2022, is a joint undertaking involving BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and a Japanese consortium comprising Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI.
The program aims to produce a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035, integrating advanced features such as stealth capabilities, artificial intelligence-driven systems, sophisticated sensors, and unmanned operational modes.
A significant step was taken last year when the three participating nations agreed to establish a joint company, with BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. (JAIEC), each holding an equal equity stake. This collaborative effort merged the UK’s Tempest project with Japan’s F-X program, concurrently incorporating Italy’s established aerospace expertise.
FCAS Highlights Recurring Challenges In Defense Collaboration
The emerging friction within the GCAP initiative bears striking similarities to the challenges encountered by another ambitious European fighter program, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which involves France, Germany, and Spain.
FCAS aims to replace the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft by 2040, but has frequently faced setbacks due to disagreements over leadership roles and intellectual property handling.
A significant impasse occurred in 2022 when Dassault and Airbus, key industrial partners, clashed over control of the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), a central component of the FCAS program.
Dassault, the primary French contractor, insisted on independent management of the NGF, a position contested by Airbus, which sought a more substantial role in the aircraft’s design. This dispute led to a prolonged delay in Phase 1B, the research and development phase.
Subsequently, another point of contention arose concerning the potential inclusion of new member nations.
Dassault CEO Éric Trappier publicly expressed concerns that expanding the consortium could diminish Dassault’s influence in the development of the NGF. Notably, the company opposed Belgium’s participation in 2023, fearing a dilution of its control. Despite this opposition, Belgium was ultimately admitted as an observer.
Earlier this week, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier criticized the partnership with Airbus, telling French parliamentarians that it is “very, very difficult” to work together with ongoing arguments over work sharing.
“Something is not working,” the CEO told a hearing of the National Assembly defense committee on April 9. “So it needs to be reviewed. It’s not up to me to do that, it’s up to the states to get together to figure out how to better manage this ambitious program.”
Trappier told French lawmakers this week that reaching a consensus on Phase 2 “is still going to take time, that’s for sure,” adding that the bickering over how to divide the work share is causing delays. Expressing his frustration, he claimed that FCAS’s disjointed work methodology is the reason for delays since “each time we reopen pointless, endless discussions.”
“We have to constantly accommodate, constantly negotiate. It’s what’s called permanent negotiation. I hope we will reach an agreement to move forward,” he said.
These instances in both FCAS and GCAP show a fundamental challenge in collaborative defense projects: the reluctance to relinquish control over sensitive technologies.
Areas such as stealth, artificial intelligence, radar systems, and electronic warfare are closely tied to national security doctrines, export regulations, and proprietary industrial knowledge, making nations hesitant to share their expertise.
Challenges Ahead
Currently in its conceptual phase, the GCAP is envisioned as a twin-engine, multi-role platform capable of operating effectively in high-threat environments, specifically designed to counter advanced air forces like China and Russia.
Program leaders envision an aircraft capable of seamless integration with drones, satellites, and ground-based systems, creating a networked advantage on the battlefield. While precise specifications remain confidential, the GCAP fighter is expected to incorporate a stealth-optimized airframe to minimize radar visibility.
Its distinguishing features are planned to include advanced artificial intelligence for real-time pilot assistance, directed-energy weapons for precise engagements, and a modular design allowing each participating nation to tailor the aircraft to its specific strategic requirements.
Meanwhile, after numerous delays, the FCAS program entered Phase 1B in late 2023, focusing on preliminary design studies. However, full-scale development is not anticipated as of now, and factors such as budget limitations, bureaucratic procurement processes, and shifting political priorities could further postpone its projected 2040 deployment.
Similarly, GCAP faces the significant challenge of adhering to its ambitious 2035 deadline. Minister Crosetto’s recent statements raise critical questions about whether fundamental governance issues, including leadership roles, technology access protocols, and the inclusion of other nations, have been adequately addressed.
The tensions and trust deficits within GCAP and the historical challenges faced by FCAS raise concerns about the ability of European and Asian nations to collaboratively develop a complex, cutting-edge system.
- Via: ET News Desk
- Mail us at: editor (at) eurasiantimes.com
