Italy is taking a historic step in the development of a new generation of combat aircraft. The Italian parliament has approved €8.8 billion for the national share of the sixth-generation Global Combat Air Programme, better known as GCAP. This brings Italy’s total investment in the programme to €18.6 billion. Notably, this is more than the just over €18 billion Italy previously spent on buying 90 F-35 fighter jets.
With this decision, Rome is clearly choosing a leading role in the development of future air combat systems. It is not just about buying a new aircraft, but about taking part in a technological and industrial project that will shape Europe’s defence capability for decades to come.
From the F-35 to the sixth generation
The F-35 is regarded as one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets in the world, with strong stealth characteristics, sensors and networking capabilities. Italy invested heavily in the programme and now operates dozens of aircraft. Yet the country is looking further ahead.
The sixth-generation GCAP programme is meant to make a leap in artificial intelligence, advanced stealth, digital architecture and cooperation with unmanned systems. Where the F-35 is mainly a high-end fighter within existing NATO structures, GCAP is to function as a fully integrated system of systems. The future aircraft is expected to operate as a flying command centre that gathers, analyses and shares information with other platforms in real time.
Cooperation with the United Kingdom and Japan
GCAP is a trilateral partnership between Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan. This unique combination of European and Asian partners shows that developing sixth-generation technology is a global undertaking. The countries involved share costs, knowledge and industrial capacity.
For Italy, taking part means national companies are actively involved in design, development and production. This strengthens the domestic defence industry and ensures long-term employment and technological spin-offs. The project is to lead to an operational system around 2035 that will replace existing aircraft.
Investing in technological sovereignty
The €18.6 billion Italy is investing in total goes beyond developing a new aircraft. It is also an investment in strategic autonomy. Europe wants to be less dependent on outside suppliers and have more control over critical defence technology.
Analysts speak of a historic investment in European fighter technology. By investing heavily now, Italy positions itself as a core player in a project that is to define the air power of the future. The development of new sensors, engines, data networks and AI systems can also benefit other sectors, such as space and civil aviation.
Europe in a changing security environment
The geopolitical situation in Europe and beyond has increased the urgency of defence investment. Air power remains a crucial pillar of modern armed forces. At the same time, the nature of air combat is changing rapidly. Integration with drones, electronic warfare and digital dominance are becoming increasingly important.
By choosing GCAP, Italy shows that it is not only focused on maintaining current capabilities, but also on shaping the next generation of systems. The comparison with its F-35 spending underlines the scale of this step. Where the F-35 purchase mainly strengthened existing capability, GCAP aims for a fundamental technological leap.
The coming years will show how the programme develops and how cooperation between the three countries takes shape. One thing is clear, however: Italy is choosing to help build the future of air combat technology, and that comes with multibillion-euro investments that could permanently change Europe’s defence landscape.
