Italy and Britain have disagreed over Germany joining a next-generation fighter jet project.
Globalinfo.az reports that the Financial Times published the information.
Italy reportedly opposed Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a next-generation fighter jet development programme, as a full member:
“Rome proposed granting Berlin only observer status in the project and not involving it in the aircraft’s design process.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto made the proposal during an online meeting with his British and Japanese counterparts. Rome and Tokyo are concerned that the addition of a new partner could slow the work. They also fear that German manufacturers such as Airbus gaining a share in the project could reduce orders for Italian and Japanese companies.
Germany, however, insists on full participation in the programme. One German official called Italy’s proposal ‘unacceptable’. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the final decision would depend on the volume of work allocated to German industry, the project’s implementation timeline and financial costs.”
However, Reuters denied the information, citing a statement by the Italian government. According to the agency, Rome said it fully supports Germany joining the project.
Safura Banniyeva
Globalinfo.az
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