{"id":130652,"date":"2026-01-23T11:11:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T05:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=130652"},"modified":"2026-01-23T03:21:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T21:51:52","slug":"italy-is-building-gcap-fighter-worth-21-billion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/italy-is-building-gcap-fighter-worth-21-billion\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy is Building Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World Worth $21 Billion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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

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

\"Italy
Photo: By Hunini – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=155772266<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Italy\u2019s GCAP Commitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italy\u2019s defense ministry has revised its projected spending on the design and development of the tri-national GCAP fighter from \u20ac6 billion to \u20ac18.6 billion<\/strong> at 2025 prices. The revised figure reflects increased costs linked to technology maturation, testing, development, and aircraft design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s majority in both chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Lockheed Martin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Breakdown of the Updated Financial Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The revised document replaces a 2021 submission that estimated Italy\u2019s contribution for Phase 1 and Phase 2 at \u20ac6 billion<\/strong>. These phases cover concept assessment, preliminary design, and full development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the latest figures, \u20ac2 billion<\/strong> has already been secured, covering part of Phase 1. An additional \u20ac16.6 billion<\/strong> is required to complete both phases. Of this amount, \u20ac8.8 billion<\/strong> is now seeking parliamentary approval, with payments scheduled annually through 2037.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remaining \u20ac7.8 billion<\/strong> will be addressed in a future funding decision. This staged approach reflects long-term budget planning rather than a single allocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy
Photo: 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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Political Reaction and Parliamentary Scrutiny<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Italy\u2019s opposition Five Star Movement has criticized the scale and timing of the funding request. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Party representatives argue that the revised cost makes GCAP the most expensive defense program in Italy\u2019s military history, surpassing the F-35 program, which cost roughly \u20ac18 billion for 90 aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy\u2019s
Photo: By \u9632\u885b\u7701, CC BY 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=126456051<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Program Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The cost update comes as GCAP partners reaffirm their commitment to the program. During a January 16 meeting in Tokyo<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The confirmation signals continued political backing at the highest level, despite growing domestic scrutiny over costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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