Italy's GCAP Warplane Development Costs Rise to $21.8 Billion
Italy's investment in the GCAP fighter program has increased from €6 billion to €18.6 billion ($7 billion to $21.8 billion) over the last five years, as announced by the defense minister in parliament. The updated budget is due for discussion and likely approval by the defense commissions of both houses of parliament.
The GCAP program, involving the U.K. and Japan, aims to deliver a new sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. The document detailing the budget highlights that €2 billion has been secured for Phase 1, with an additional €16.6 billion needed to complete both Phases 1 and 2.
Opposition party Five Star criticized the program's cost, noting it surpasses previous expenditures on the F-35 program. A meeting in January between the Italian and Japanese prime ministers reaffirmed commitment to the project's timeline.
