The Italian Parliament has agreed to support the country's efforts with the UK-led Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). Japan is a third partner in the effort to develop an optionally-manned sixth-generation fighter and supporting aerial systems, including unmanned "Loyal Wingmen."

Rome's support follows that of London and Tokyo, which have respectively ratified the treaty that calls for the co-development of the GCAP. The three partner nations are now bound into the program by law.

"With the approval today in the Chamber of Deputies of the Convention for the establishment of the Global Combat Air Programme, the parliamentary process of ratification and execution of the agreement – signed in Tokyo in December 2023 – between Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom is concluded," Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence Isabella Rauti told reporters following the ratification process in the Italian parliament on Wednesday.

The efforts are being led by the British-based BAE Systems, Italy's Leonardo, and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). According to a report from international military analyst firm Janes, the companies are now........

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