Cooperation between Italy, Britain, and Japan to build an advanced sixth-generation GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme) fighter jet will likely be extended to Saudi Arabia, the Italian foreign minister said on Wednesday.

The deal, which Italy has with Britain and Japan, will now be extended to Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.

Earlier this month, the three countries said that they were discussing expanding the project, following a meeting in Brazil between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Japanese and British counterparts.

GCAP, which is being jointly developed by Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is expected to be ready around the middle of the next decade.

Saudi Arabia has long been rumoured to be among the candidates to become a partner in the GCAP program, as it would bring enough money to a project expected to cost tens of billions of dollars.

Source: Reuters

Also read: GCAP | Next-generation fighter jet from Japan, UK and Italy