Italy

GCAP 6th-gen fighter project names sensor group, exec doubts changes to ‘core team’

Despite the current drama in the rival FCAS program, Leonardo UK's Andrew Howard said he expects FCAS to deliver a "very good capability."

Italy and L3Harris agree to first EA-37A export deal

Once modified, the new aircraft will see the Italian Air Force provided with “an airborne jamming ability with range, altitude and endurance to disrupt enemy command and control communications, radars and navigation systems from an extended distance,” L3Harris said.

UK reveals future fighter demonstrator design, advances GCAP tech de-risking

An artist rendering of the demonstrator, set to fly for the first time in 2027, showcases a design complete with a single cockpit, twin engine, canted twin tail and delta wing blueprint.

Italian Air Force kicks off M-345 trainer entry to service

Based on a requirement for 45 aircraft in all, Italy has so far ordered 18 M-345 units, to support the second and third phases of pilot training, while the M-346 delivers advanced training.

Japanese firms view GCAP as opportunity to develop skills, international supply chain

Execs and officials hope that GCAP can open doors for Japan's defense industrial base to expand.

Saab begins Arexis EW deliveries to Airbus for German Eurofighter Typhoons

“This [Arexis] is part of [the] Eurofighter program and Germany is now funding it, but any other Eurofighter customer, of course, could benefit from having it on board," Mikael Corp, sales director of fighter electronic warfare at Saab, told Breaking Defense.

Italy’s Leonardo forecasts $6.6 billion ‘upside’ from new wave of European defense spending

To deal with the changing geopolitical landscape, Cingolani called for "stronger alliances" and "industrial synergies."

Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar ink agreement for UAV joint venture

The JV is looking to tap into growing demand from the European drone market valued in excess of $100 billion over the next decade and will include production out of Italy and Turkey, Roberto Cingolani, CEO at Leonardo, told media in Rome.

India joins Eurodrone effort as observer nation

India’s interest in Eurodrone builds off a joint statement signed with Germany in October 2024 to deepen defense cooperation and which includes a “specific focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment.”

Italy sets up $289 million Skynex air defense deal with Rheinmetall

Italy becomes the first NATO nation to buy into the air defense system.

Why Saudi Arabia is interested in GCAP – and whether it should be

"While there are several reasons why the three GCAP nations should entertain adding Saudi Arabia to the program, there are fewer clear reasons why the Saudis would want to join up," writes Bilal Saab in this op-ed.

Austria picks Leonardo M-346 light fighter to replace retired Saab 105s

The Austrian Bundesheer announced it would buy 12 M-346FA jets in a government-to-government deal with Italy, but negotiations on cost and timing are still ongoing.

Italy inks deal to buy up to 24 more Typhoons, Leonardo says

The contract with Rome follows hard on the heels of a deal with Spain for 25 Eurofighter Typhoon fourth-generation fighter jets under the country's Halcon II program.

GCAP partners form joint venture to deliver next-gen fighter for UK, Japan and Italy

All three partners will retain an equal 33.3 percent shareholding in the JV and it will be headquartered in the UK, in order to "ensure maximum alignment and collaboration with the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO)," which is also due to be based in the region.