Saudi Arabia eyes role in GCAP fighter jet program, focuses on industrial development

Saudi Arabia is actively working to enhance its industrial capabilities to become part of the Global Combat Aviation Program (GCAP) — a collaboration between the UK, Italy, and Japan aimed at developing sixth-generation fighter jets.

As part of this initiative, the country must focus on strengthening its aviation sector, which is crucial for joining the ambitious program, Caliber.Az reports, citing Defence Turk's message on X.

Lorenzo Mariani, the CEO of the Italian defence company Leonardo, suggested that Saudi Arabia could build the necessary industrial competence for GCAP by engaging in the production of the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and NH90 helicopters.

🔵🇸🇦Suudi Arabistan'ın 6. nesil savaş uçağı programına katılımı

🔸🇮🇹İtalyan savunma şirketi Leonardo'nun Genel Müdürü Lorenzo Mariani, Suudi Arabistan’ın Eurofighter savaş uçağının ve NH90 helikopterlerinin üretiminde aktif rol alarak 6. nesil savaş uçağı programı GCAP için… pic.twitter.com/iH7I8uAIW7

— Defence Turk (@Defence_Turk) February 14, 2025

He emphasized that joining GCAP requires more than financial investment — it involves significant participation in manufacturing. He said, “A fast but balanced accession of a new partner to GCAP requires a certain procedure, and this procedure must consider the industrial capacity of the partner involved. Active participation in production is essential.”

Mariani pointed out that time should not be wasted in this process. “The process of joining GCAP takes time, but we should maximize industrial activity during this period. New projects, like new orders for Eurofighters and the production of NH90 helicopters, could lay a solid foundation for this partnership.”

“Before, we were only selling; now we’re offering co-production,” Mariani added, highlighting a shift in strategy.

As reported by Defense News, Saudi Arabia currently operates 72 Eurofighter Typhoon jets and is exploring the possibility of expanding its fleet with additional orders. The kingdom also plans to purchase NH90 helicopters.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed that Saudi Arabia has shown support for Italy’s bid to join the GCAP program, but acknowledged that the integration process would not be immediate.

As part of this support, during Meloni’s recent visit to Riyadh, Saudi officials signed a memorandum of understanding with Leonardo, aimed at boosting industrial cooperation in the production of both fighter jets and helicopters. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Italy and Saudi Arabia in the defence sector.

By Tamilla Hasanova