Japan Prime Minister Takaichi said after a Rome meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni that Italy and Japan intend to accelerate the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a next-generation fighter. Meloni said Italy is continuing to push strategic projects under GCAP, is co-developing a sixth-generation fighter with the UK, and that the programme has now entered its implementation phase.

2026-06-16

Japan Prime Minister Takaichi said after a Rome meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni that Italy and Japan intend to accelerate the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a next-generation fighter. Meloni said Italy is continuing to push strategic projects under GCAP, is co-developing a sixth-generation fighter with the UK, and that the programme has now entered its implementation phase.