Italy backs a German path into the GCAP fighter programme

Italy said it fully supports Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme and rejected a Financial Times report that Rome had tried to block Berlin’s entry. The Italian government said an initial observer role would speed information-sharing while protecting the programme’s timetable.

GCAP currently links Italy, Britain and Japan, with Leonardo, BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries leading the industrial effort. The partners aim to develop a next-generation combat aircraft by 2035.