Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy are discussing the fact that Saudi Arabia is participating in joint development of new sixth generation fighters.
On January 27, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said it supported Italy to participate in Saudi Arabia. Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), According to the Italian Prime Minister. Italy, Japan, the UK GCAP was released in December 2022 The goal is to develop the next generation of fighters by 2035.
Meloni was the first to the leaders of the three countries who expressed their official support for Riyado’s participation in GCAP.
“Obviously, this is not immediately, because we need to end all work as a three -class class between the United Kingdom and the Japanese government.” After meeting, he said to a journalist. -ula, Saudi Arabia.
The UK, which supplies Tornado and Eur -Fighter typhoon fighters to other defense devices in Saudi Arabia, also supports Saudi Arabia. Saudi wealth can be an important factor because development costs are expected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars.
On the contrary, Japan is much more cautious for several different reasons.
First, a joint statement on GCAP issued by three Prime Ministers of Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom in December 2022 said, “Our three countries are free, democracy, human rights, and shared values. Based on it, we have a long -standing control of the Liberal Democracy.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, an authoritarian state, has been criticized for its human rights issues. for example, US information report Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman concluded in 2018 the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi. Special UN investigator The prince also blamed for accepting the murder of Kashogogi.
Saudi Arabia was 150th of the 167 countries, lower than Russia’s 144th and China’s 148th.
Second, Saudi Arabia was involved in military intervention in the adjacent Yemen civil war until three years ago. The Eur -Fighter fighter jointly developed by four countries, including the United Kingdom and Italy, was used in Yemen’s air bombs.
Japan’s basic policy after World War II was not to expand international disputes. If the next -generation fighter is used in a conflict, it may impair Japan’s reliability as a peaceful nation. Tokyo has maintained a good relationship with all the Middle Eastern countries since the 1970s oil crisis.
Third, as more countries participate in GCAP, the number of aircraft produced will increase, and the scale will definitely reduce the cost per aircraft. However, this may mean more work and cost due to the adjustment. In addition, it is difficult for Saudi Arabia to technically contribute to aircraft development.
Fourth, Saudi Arabia and China have recently built a closer relationship. The two countries are strategic partnerships in December 2022, while Chinese leader Xi Jinpei visits the kingdom and emphasizes the increase in connection between Beijing and the US allies. I signed the agreement.
It is true that the United States is the largest military supplier in Saudi Arabia, but has also exchanged the weapons of China and Russia. If RIYADH participates in a joint development framework between Italy and Japan-UK, there is a concern that confidential security information may be leaked.
At a press conference on December 3, 2024, Mr. Nakatani Jen, who was asked about the potential participation of Saudi Arabia, said at a press conference on December 3, 2024:
As mentioned in the collaborative leader statement announced by GCAP, GCAP is designed with the cooperation of Japan, the UK, Italy, our ally, and partner countries, and we speculate. It is not a stage where you can do it. Participation in the third country.
Another interesting development in Japan is that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United States and meet President Donald Trump in the White House on February 4. The normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia can lead to Agenda to call Tokyo to strengthen his relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Nikkei Asia reported on November 29 that Saudi Arabia is expected to participate in GCAP as a “partner.” Trio tied to the treaty。
