Italy accuses Britain of selfishness over lack of technology sharing in GCAP next-generation aircraft programme
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crozetto has accused the UK of insufficient technology sharing with Italy and Japan under the joint GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme) programme, which aims to create a sixth-generation fighter by 2035.
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He urged London to overcome "barriers of ego" and stressed that effective partnerships are only possible with equal access to technology, especially in projects with such a deep level of joint investment.
"You have to break down some of the barriers of ego. Italy has broken them down completely, Japan almost completely. It seems to me that the UK is reluctant to do this, and this is a mistake, because selfishness is the worst enemy of nations," the official explained.
Although he did not specify which technologies remain unavailable, his statement once again highlights tensions within the international consortium.
A rendering of the GCAP. Illustration: Mitsubishi
The GCAP programme combines the efforts of the United Kingdom (Tempest), Italy (Leonardo platform) and Japan (F-X programme) to create an advanced combat aircraft. The project involves such giants as BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as well as engine manufacturers Rolls-Royce, IHI Corporation, and others. The first prototype of the Tempest fighter jet has already been assembled in the UK, with its first flight expected in 2027.
The key objective of GCAP is not only to create a state-of-the-art aircraft, but also to achieve strategic autonomy from US and other external suppliers. This goal implies deep technical cooperation between the three countries, which is complicated by uneven access to critical developments.
In parallel with GCAP, a competitive FCAS programme is being developed in Europe, with France, Germany and Spain working on it. However, there are problems there too: Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier recently criticised poor coordination and delays in the division of responsibilities in the development of the next-generation NGF aircraft.
He expressed doubts that the programme will be able to meet its planned deadlines, including the first flight of the demonstrator in 2029.
Source: Reuters
