While The World Looks at The USA, China, and Russia, An Unexpected Country Approves About R$ 55.8 Billion to Create A Next-Generation Fighter in An Ambitious Military Project Involving Japan and The United Kingdom

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 14/02/2026 at 09:28

Updated on 14/02/2026 at 09:30

Imagem: Ilustração artística feita por IA

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Defense Committee Approves €8.77 Billion for Initial Phases as Estimates Rise to €18.6 Billion and Italy Strengthens Cooperation with the United Kingdom and Japan in Fighter Development

The Italian parliament took a decisive step this Thursday by approving a robust funding plan for the Global Combat Air Programme, the GCAP. The decision unlocks nearly €9 billion, equivalent to US$10.7 billion, allocated to an ambitious military project developed in partnership with the United Kingdom and Japan.

Funding Approved Without Need for Plenary

According to Reuters data, a parliamentary document revealed that the defense committee of the lower house authorized the Italian government’s proposal to invest €8.77 billion in the initial phases of the GCAP.

The resources are expected to be applied by 2037. As the committee’s vote is considered final, the text will not need to go to the plenary.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Costs More Than Triple Over Development

The same document indicates a significant revision in estimated costs. Italy now estimates that just the initial phase of the GCAP could reach €18.6 billion.

This figure represents a significant jump from the approximately €6 billion initially projected, considering 2021 prices.

According to the parliamentary text, the update of the estimate occurred to reflect the increase in expenses associated with technological maturation, testing, development, and design.

The reassessment highlights how high-complexity programs can experience substantial variations over time.

Industrial Partnerships and International Context in Fighter Development

The GCAP is being developed by a joint venture that combines British BAE Systems, Italian Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, backed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The Italian approval comes amid challenges faced by the rival Future Combat Air System program, led by France, Germany, and Spain.

The competing project is undergoing industrial friction and relevant political decisions regarding its future.

In December, Italian authorities indicated that Germany and Australia might express interest in joining the GCAP.

Local media reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the topic at a summit in Rome last month.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani signaled openness to a possible expansion.

He stated that he would not be opposed to the entry of new countries willing to participate. The statement reinforces the Italian strategy to broaden cooperations in an increasingly defense- and technology-focused global landscape.

With information from Reuters.

While The World Looks at The USA, China, and Russia, An Unexpected Country Approves About R$ 55.8 Billion to Create A Next-Generation Fighter in An Ambitious Military Project Involving Japan and The United Kingdom

Defense Committee Approves €8.77 Billion for Initial Phases as Estimates Rise to €18.6 Billion and Italy Strengthens Cooperation with the United Kingdom and Japan in Fighter Development

Funding Approved Without Need for Plenary

Costs More Than Triple Over Development

Industrial Partnerships and International Context in Fighter Development

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While The World Looks at The USA, China, and Russia, An Unexpected Country Approves About R$ 55.8 Billion to Create A Next-Generation Fighter in An Ambitious Military Project Involving Japan and The United Kingdom

Defense Committee Approves €8.77 Billion for Initial Phases as Estimates Rise to €18.6 Billion and Italy Strengthens Cooperation with the United Kingdom and Japan in Fighter Development

Funding Approved Without Need for Plenary

Costs More Than Triple Over Development

Industrial Partnerships and International Context in Fighter Development

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China is building an artificial island in the middle of the sea, covering 20 km², to construct the largest offshore airport in the world, the Dalian Jinzhouwan. This $4.3 billion project is anchored on more than 3,000 pillars embedded in the rock beneath the ocean and is scheduled to open in 2035.

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