On December 14, in Tokyo, the Convention on the Establishment of the “Global Combat Air Programme – GCAP International Government Organisation” was signed between Kihara Minoru, Minister of Defence of Japan, Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom and the Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence of Italy.
In implementing the GCAP, leaders of Japan, the U.K., and Italy announced a cooperation programme for jointly developing a next-generation fighter aircraft in December 2022.
This Convention establishes the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) as an international organisation for such collaboration. A system for controlling and managing the GCAP in an integrated manner is expected to be built by establishing the GIGO and contributing to the facilitation of joint development.
In response to the agreement, National industry leaders made a declaration to state their appreciation. The national defence industry leaders on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and BAE Systems said that they welcomed the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the “Global Combat Air Programme - GCAP International Government Organisation (the GIGO)” by their respective governments.
Saudi Arabia wants to join the programme, a request that Japan denies with the concern of delay while the U.K. and Italy support due to financial opportunities.
