Saudi Arabia is actively trying to join GCAP's sixth-generation fighter project and is ready for a multi-billion dollar investment, but Japan opposes it

Saudi Arabia wants to become a full participant in a programme to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. The historic project is called the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

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Last year, GCAP brought together the UK, Italy and Japan. The three countries want to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035 to gain air supremacy. Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts to become the project's fourth member.

London and Rome are open to Riyadh joining GCAP. However, the Land of the Rising Sun is strongly opposed to the idea. The Japanese authorities have already detailed their position to the partners in the programme.

Saudi Arabia's participation in GCAP means large investments in the project. Financing is estimated at tens of billions of dollars. This is reported by Nikkei Asia, citing anonymous sources.

Japan has agreed to lift a multi-year ban on arms exports and is preparing for further easing of restrictions to enter new markets thanks to GCAP. However, the country's authorities say the inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the project will complicate the selection of countries for Japanese arms exports. In addition, Japan is concerned that adding a new member will lead to delays.

Riyadh showed interest in GCAP after Germany banned deliveries of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. Berlin imposed an arms embargo on the kingdom in 2018 following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the war in Yemen.

Source: Nikkei Asia