Saudi Arabia has requested to become a full partner in the joint effort to develop the next generation of fighter jets with the UK, Japan, and Italy. The British government supports this move.
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), also known as Tempest, involves companies from the UK, Japan, and Italy working together to build a new fighter jet and other systems like drones. The goal is to deliver the first planes by 2035.
Including Saudi Arabia in the program could be beneficial for the partners as it would allow for the sharing of costs with one of the world’s largest defense spenders. However, it may also create tensions among the partners and complicate the negotiation process.
The addition of Saudi Arabia has the potential to be controversial due to concerns over its human rights record, including its involvement in the Yemeni war and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Despite previous censure, criticism has faded in recent times.
While the UK is leading the effort to include Saudi Arabia, Japanese officials have expressed opposition. Japan has been gradually relaxing its controls on weapons exports in recent years.
Saudi Arabia has been interested in joining Tempest for some time. It previously signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK for a feasibility study on a combat air partnership and closer industrial collaboration.
The formal talks on Saudi Arabia’s inclusion are still in the early stages and are being handled by the UK Ministry of Defence. Any agreement would require the Prime Minister’s approval.
Saudi Arabia has been seeking to reduce its reliance on the US for weaponry, aiming to develop its own domestic weapons industry.