Aviation News – Italy’s parliament has approved nearly €9 billion in funding for the multinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a next-generation fighter jet initiative with Britain and Japan, marking one of Europe’s largest current defence investments and underscoring Rome’s long-term commitment to advanced air combat capability.
The funding package, valued at almost €9 billion ($10.7 billion), supports Italy’s role in the trilateral programme launched in December 2022 alongside the United Kingdom and Japan. GCAP aims to deliver a sixth-generation fighter aircraft by 2035, replacing aging fleets and strengthening allied interoperability. The project’s projected costs have risen sharply, more than tripling from initial estimates, reflecting expanded scope and cutting-edge technology integration.
The GCAP fighter is designed as a highly networked combat system rather than a standalone jet, combining crewed aircraft with uncrewed platforms, advanced sensors and real-time data sharing. The aircraft is expected to feature stealth shaping, artificial intelligence-assisted decision support and secure digital connectivity, enabling faster responses and coordinated missions across multiple domains. Defence officials say the system will enhance survivability and operational reach in contesteairspace.