Japan and Italy Reaffirm Commitment to Next-Generation Fighter Jet Development in Munich

Ministers Meet at Munich Security Conference

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto held a bilateral meeting in Munich, Germany, on Friday, February 13, 2026. The discussions, which took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, focused on reaffirming their commitment to the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Global Combat Air Programme Details

The GCAP is a significant trilateral initiative involving Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom, aimed at developing an advanced sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. This ambitious program seeks to deliver the new combat aircraft by 2035, replacing existing fleets such as Japan's Mitsubishi F-2 and the Eurofighter Typhoons currently in service with the UK and Italy. An international treaty formally launching the joint development was signed in December 2023.

Strategic Importance and Industrial Collaboration

During their meeting, Ministers Koizumi and Crosetto underscored the inseparable nature of security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, agreeing to close cooperation to counter any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force. The GCAP is a cornerstone of this broader security cooperation. The program involves major industrial partners: BAE Systems from the UK, Leonardo from Italy, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan. To oversee the project, the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) has been established, alongside a joint venture named Edgewing, which will be responsible for the design, development, and delivery of the aircraft.

Continued Progress and Future Outlook

The meeting in Munich served to reinforce the strong and shared commitment among the partner nations to the GCAP. Both ministers expressed their dedication to ensuring the successful progression of this strategically vital project. The program represents a significant step in enhancing the defense capabilities and interoperability of Japan, Italy, and the UK, addressing evolving global security challenges and fostering technological advancements in the aerospace sector.