Italy Endorses Germany’s Participation in Next‑Generation Fighter Jet Program

Rome, Italy announced on Saturday that it fully supports Germany’s involvement in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a next‑generation fighter jet, refuting media reports that it had attempted to block Berlin.

The government issued a statement saying a Financial Times report that claimed it opposed Germany’s entry is completely misleading and does not align with Rome’s longstanding stance.

Italy has consistently expressed willingness to welcome Germany into GCAP and has suggested that Berlin first participate as an observer to ease information exchange and accelerate its path to full membership.

Rome said the proposal aims to speed Germany’s involvement while safeguarding the program’s schedule and progress, and was not meant to limit Berlin’s future role.

Italy reiterated its stance at the most recent GCAP videoconference with the three partner nations, emphasizing that it sees German participation as a positive opportunity.

GCAP unites Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan in developing a next‑generation fighter aircraft slated for 2035, with Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries heading the industrial collaboration.

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