Italy, Japan, Britain Discuss GCAP Expansion

Leaders from Italy, Japan, and Britain met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro to discuss expanding the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) jet fighter project to include additional countries. Originally agreed upon in December 2022, the collaboration aims to develop a next-generation stealth fighter jet intended for deployment by 2035. The project, which combines technologies from various defense manufacturers including BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is seen as a strategic response to rising threats from Russia and China. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the project and strengthen trilateral defense cooperation, emphasizing shared democratic values. The specific costs of the multi-billion-dollar initiative remain undetermined, but it has been positioned as crucial for future military capabilities. This initiative marks a significant step in international defense collaboration among the three nations.