Maxi fighter-bomber 'Gcap', green light in Italy from the House

Decisive step towards the final agreement for the Gcap ('Global combat air programme'), the future sixth-generation fighter-bomber designed by Great Britain, Italy and Japan. The House Assembly yesterday gave final approval to the government's bill to ratify and execute the Convention on the Establishment of the Gcap International Government Organisation, signed in Tokyo on 14 December 2023.

Fdi, Fi, Lega, Noi Moderati, Italia Viva, Azione and the PD voted in favour. Against were M5S and Avs, because the programme is part of an increase in arms spending.

The super-bomber, which will be a system of aircraft integrated with swarms of drones, satellites and other military assets, all connected by an 'intelligent' network, hence the term 'system of systems', is to enter into service from 2035, replacing the Eurofighters.

The Gcap programme, launched in July 2018 by Great Britain as Tempest, involves a two-tier organisation. At the top level is an international organisation, called Gigo ('Gcap international government organisation'). The head office is in Great Britain in Reading, west of London. Gigo will consist of a Steering committee with equal representation of the three parties and a Gcap Agency.

At the underlying level is the industrial organisation composed of the three countries' lead defence companies, Bae Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi, which will form a joint venture with 33.3 per cent each, with a division of labour consistent with that share. "We have defined, together with our customers and partners, the main elements of the Gcap programme, which will be enshrined in the formal signing of an industrial agreement by the end of the year, and which envisage strategic activities for Leonardo in the development of systems," Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo's CEO, said on 7 November. Other national companies will also be involved. 'For Italy, the companies Mbda Italia, Elettronica and Avio Ge are also expected to participate, as well as smaller industrial entities, including SMEs,' says a document from the Chamber's Study Service.