Italy Criticizes UK’s Technology Sharing in GCAP Fighter Initiative
In a recent development within the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, has expressed frustration over the United Kingdom’s reluctance to share advanced technology with its partner nations, Italy and Japan. This reluctance, according to Crosetto, poses a potential advantage to global adversaries.
During an interview with Defense News, Crosetto stated, “It’s a huge favor to the Russians and the Chinese,” highlighting the potential global implications of the UK’s stance. This is not the first time Crosetto has openly criticized the UK. Earlier in April 2025, he urged the UK to break down what he perceived as “barriers of selfishness.”
Crosetto’s call for increased cooperation echoes his previous remarks to Reuters, where he noted, “Italy has broken them down totally, Japan almost totally. It seems to me that the U.K. is much more reluctant to do this, and that’s a mistake because selfishness is the worst enemy of nations.”
Despite the ongoing dialogue, Crosetto confirmed to Defense News that there has been no change in the UK’s position, stating, “They don’t want to do it,” and emphasizing that withholding technology from allies is “madness.”
In an effort to encourage collaboration, Crosetto has instructed Leonardo, the Italian company spearheading Italy’s role in the GCAP, to share its technology. “I have ordered Leonardo to share its technology, let’s see if the others follow. That way we take the first step,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the GCAP initiative continues to progress more smoothly compared to the French-German-Spanish FCAS fighter program, which has been marred by disputes over work share. The UK, on its part, is actively working through its tri-nation GCAP government office alongside industrial consortia focusing on sensors, propulsion, and integration, with a target to deliver the aircraft by 2035.
However, the financial aspect of Italy’s involvement in the GCAP has stirred controversy. Italy recently announced that the cost associated with designing and developing the jet has surged from an initial estimate of €6 billion ($7.1 billion) in 2021 to €18.6 billion, sparking criticism from opposition parties. More details on this can be found in the report.
Despite these challenges, a recent meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae showed optimism, as the leaders expressed their satisfaction with the GCAP’s progress.
