ROME- Italy has confirmed a steep increase in its financial commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, pushing projected costs beyond $21 billion and igniting political debate.

The update was presented to parliament as part of a funding authorization request, with Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and ITA Airways (AZ) cited in official travel and defense coordination records tied to the program.

Italy has confirmed a steep increase in its financial commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, pushing projected costs beyond $21 billion and igniting political debate.Italy has confirmed a steep increase in its financial commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, pushing projected costs beyond $21 billion and igniting political debate.Photo: By Hunini – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=155772266

Italy’s GCAP Commitment

Italy’s defense ministry has revised its projected spending on the design and development of the tri-national GCAP fighter from €6 billion to €18.6 billion at 2025 prices. The revised figure reflects increased costs linked to technology maturation, testing, development, and aircraft design.

The funding update was submitted to the defense commission of the Italian Senate and is scheduled for discussion ahead of a vote. A parallel review will take place in the defense commission of the lower house. Approval is expected due to the governing coalition’s majority in both chambers.

GCAP is a joint sixth-generation fighter initiative involving Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The program aims to deliver its first operational aircraft by 2035, positioning it as a successor to current frontline combat jets, Defense News reported.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

Breakdown of the Updated Financial Plan

The revised document replaces a 2021 submission that estimated Italy’s contribution for Phase 1 and Phase 2 at €6 billion. These phases cover concept assessment, preliminary design, and full development.

According to the latest figures, €2 billion has already been secured, covering part of Phase 1. An additional €16.6 billion is required to complete both phases. Of this amount, €8.8 billion is now seeking parliamentary approval, with payments scheduled annually through 2037.

The remaining €7.8 billion will be addressed in a future funding decision. This staged approach reflects long-term budget planning rather than a single allocation.

Italy is Building Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World Worth $21 BillionItaly is Building Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World Worth $21 BillionPhoto: By US Air Force / Ministerie van Defensie – bron: Ministerie van Defensie., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35205521

Political Reaction and Parliamentary Scrutiny

Italy’s opposition Five Star Movement has criticized the scale and timing of the funding request.

Party representatives argue that the revised cost makes GCAP the most expensive defense program in Italy’s military history, surpassing the F-35 program, which cost roughly €18 billion for 90 aircraft.

The party has stated that while it recognizes the strategic value of the program, parliament must receive a detailed justification for such a significant increase in projected spending.

Italy’s GCAP Fighter Costs Surge Past $21 Billion MarkItaly’s GCAP Fighter Costs Surge Past $21 Billion MarkPhoto: By 防衛省, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126456051

Program Timeline

The cost update comes as GCAP partners reaffirm their commitment to the program. During a January 16 meeting in Tokyo, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae confirmed progress on GCAP and reiterated the 2035 delivery target for the first aircraft.

The confirmation signals continued political backing at the highest level, despite growing domestic scrutiny over costs.

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