Italy in Favor of Saudi Arabia Joining GCAP Jet Deal Amid Growing Strategic Partnership
Italy has expressed its support for Saudi Arabia’s potential inclusion in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multi-nation fighter jet initiative involving Italy, Britain, and Japan.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited Saudi Arabia over the weekend, confirmed Italy's position on the matter. She noted, however, that integrating Saudi Arabia into the programme would take time and that further discussions between the three founding nations were necessary to finalize the details.
While Meloni stated that Italy was in favor of Saudi Arabia joining the GCAP, she acknowledged the complexities involved in opening up the multi-billion-euro programme to a fourth nation. “We are in favor of the Saudis entering, but clearly this... will not be immediate,” Meloni said during her visit to Bahrain. Her comments come as Italy continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, which has seen the signing of significant agreements in various sectors.
This latest development aligns with the growing cooperation between two countries, which was further emphasized during Meloni’s visit to the kingdom. The two nations signed cooperation agreements worth around $10 billion, covering key areas such as infrastructure, energy, defense, sports, entertainment, and tourism. Meloni expressed her hopes that the partnership would enter a new phase, opening up numerous opportunities for collaboration.
In addition to economic discussions, the leaders also addressed global matters, including efforts for peace in Ukraine, strengthening the Gaza ceasefire, and supporting reconstruction in Syria and Lebanon.
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Saudi Arabia and Leonardo sign MoU to boost defense collaboration📌Italy supports Saudi Arabia's entry into the GCAP fighter jet program, while sealing a $10B deal that expands cooperation in defense, energy, and more.
📎https://t.co/mGwNqZYPyC pic.twitter.com/Q7TL2B0JeE — Defensehere (@defensehere_en) January 27, 2025
