World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Italy says Germany can join fighter jet project first as an observer
Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan are developing a sixth-generation fighter jet through the Global Combat Air Programme, or GCAP.
The aircraft is intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and reduce reliance on US-made fighters.
Italy’s Defence Ministry says it has supported Germany joining the programme, but proposed that Germany begin as an observer.
The ministry says observer status would allow information sharing and prepare the way for full membership, while protecting the programme’s schedule.
Germany reportedly wants full membership and a substantial share of the work for its defence industry, and has called observer status unacceptable.
The project is run by a joint venture involving Leonardo, BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Italy and Japan reportedly fear their companies could lose work if German firms such as Airbus join; the ministry says Italy is working to enable Germany’s participation as soon as possible.
Italy says Germany can join the Global Combat Air Programme initially as an observer, with full membership to follow.
Italy’s Defence Ministry says the proposal is intended to speed up Germany’s involvement, not restrict its future role.
Germany wants full membership, including a financial contribution and a substantial share of work for its defence industry, according to the report.
The programme involves Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan and aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter.
Italy and Japan are reported to be concerned that German companies joining could reduce work for their own firms.
- Who
- Italy and Germany are at issue, with the United Kingdom and Japan also involved in the programme.
- What
- Italy proposed that Germany join the fighter project as an observer before becoming a full member.
- When
- The reports were published on 14 November 2026.
- Where
- The project is the Global Combat Air Programme, involving Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan.
- Why
- Italy says observer status would allow information-sharing and help prepare for full membership while protecting the programme’s progress and schedule. Germany wants full membership and a substantial share of work for its industry.
Italy
Germany
Membership route
Italy
Italy says Germany can first join as an observer, ahead of full membership.
Germany
Germany wants to become a full member, according to the report.
Industrial role
Italy
Italy says the observer proposal was not intended to limit Germany’s future role.
Germany
Germany wants to contribute financially and receive a substantial share of work for its industry, according to the report.
A joint venture involving Leonardo, BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was established for the programme.
The United Kingdom asked Italy and Japan to involve Germany in the programme, according to the report.
Italy’s Defence Ministry denied opposing Germany’s participation while confirming it had proposed observer status as an initial step.
- Programme
- Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
- Current partners
- Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan
- Initial role proposed for Germany
- Observer
- Full membership sought by Germany
- A financial contribution and a substantial share of work for its industry
- Joint venture established
- December 2023
3 sources
What people are saying
The reconstruction is entirely misleading and does not reflect the position Italy has consistently maintained.
Italy has always expressed its full willingness to welcome Germany into the programme.
This proposal was not intended to limit Germany’s future role in the programme.