In a significant development, both Japan and Italy have declined Saudi Arabia’s request to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative initiative between the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy aimed at developing a sixth-generation fighter jet. This decision follows earlier objections from Japan, with Italy recently aligning with this stance.

Lorenzo Mariani, the Chief Executive Officer of Italy’s Leonardo defense company, stated that Saudi Arabia lacks the necessary expertise and capabilities in the aviation industry, rendering it unable to make a substantial contribution to the project. He emphasized that the issue extends beyond financial investment to encompass the industrial capacities of the partners, which Saudi Arabia currently does not possess. Mariani suggested that the kingdom should focus on developing simpler industries before considering involvement in large-scale, complex projects like GCAP.

The GCAP aims to design and produce a new sixth-generation fighter aircraft by 2035, intended to replace the existing Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. Although Saudi Arabia expressed a desire to join this alliance, its overtures were met with rejection from the current partners, particularly Japan and Italy, due to concerns about the kingdom’s industrial and technological capabilities in the aviation sector.

This refusal highlights the challenges Saudi Arabia faces in its efforts to enhance its aviation and defense industries. It underscores the necessity for the country to establish a robust industrial and technological foundation before participating in international projects of this magnitude and complexity.