Saudi Arabia's bid to join GCAP: divisions, financial clout and geopolitical stakes
The KSA’s participation in GCAP could be a profitable commercial step for BAE Systems, given the company’s substantial business in the country and the wider region. (Photo: BAE Systems/UK MoD)
Saudi Arabia could only bring money to GCAP at this stage as it has 'no aircraft industry, let alone a technological base, so involving [it] as a prime partner generates considerable risk and potential delays', experts tell Shephard.
Saudi Arabia is known to be pushing the UK, Japan and Italy to allow it to become a full partner in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). As reported by the Financial Times, the request was confirmed by a number of senior officials from all three GCAP member nations.
This development will likely create a storm in a teacup. While the UK and Italy are open to the idea, Japan is firmly against it and has expressed it publicly.
Although all three nations involved in the programme have previously said they are open to working with other countries, this
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![MASA blends the virtual and constructive in French Army artillery experiment]()
MASA blends the virtual and constructive in French Army artillery experiment
A recent demonstration by the French Army saw MASA’s SWORD simulation software integrated with Bohemia Interactive’s Virtual Battlespace to conduct a counter-battery scenario that showcased enhanced training capabilities via realistic visualisation and the execution of military operations.
-
![NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet]()
NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet
NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet has been scheduled for retirement from 2035. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has been leading the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) project to develop new options for future surveillance and control capabilities, based on future technology and requirements.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
![All F-35 orders will include LED-based flight simulator, says Lockheed]()
All F-35 orders will include LED-based flight simulator, says Lockheed
Featuring advanced visual display technology and reduced lifecycle costs, Lockheed Martin's AMAZE simulators have promised to make training more affordable for both F-35 jets and other fixed-wing platforms in the future.
-
![US Coast Guard plans a $1.1 billion investment in shipbuilding in FY2025]()
US Coast Guard plans a $1.1 billion investment in shipbuilding in FY2025
The service has requested funds to procure and build new vessels, as well as modernise its current fleet.
-
![What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?]()
What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?
The Hellenic Navy has been in the process of replacing its nine remaining Elli-class (Kortaener/S-type) frigates with two new acquisition programmes for frigates and corvettes. The US offer of second-hand US Navy (USN) Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) as potential corvette replacement, however, has given the Greek government pause for thought.
