EUROPE - Global Fighter Jet Initiative
This ambitious initiative aims to produce a sixth-generation stealth aircraft by 2035, designed to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2. The collaboration highlights shifting dynamics in global defense alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions.
[Saudi Arabia’s] participation aligns with its Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to localize half of its military spending and diversify its economy. The GCAP program unites Japan’s F-X project and the UK-led Tempest initiative, creating an equal partnership among the three founding nations.
Leading defense companies, including BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are spearheading the design and manufacturing efforts. The project has secured €40 billion ($43.4 billion) in funding and plans to produce 350 aircraft by 2035.
Collaborations with Lockheed Martin for THAAD missile production and Turkish Aerospace Industries for UAV manufacturing underscore this trend. Despite the benefits of Saudi participation, concerns persist over technology transfer risks.
Italy is also exploring additional defense collaborations with Japan. Rome plans to import Japan’s P-1 maritime patrol aircraft by 2029 and export its M-346 training jets to Tokyo.
These exchanges reflect deepening ties between participating nations across various defense domains. Saudi Arabia’s potential inclusion in GCAP underscores growing international cooperation in defense technology.
-www.riotimesonline.com, 2 April 2025
Arno's Commentary
The latest word is defense. The reason? Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It is of interest to note that one-third of Ukrainians speak Russian. Subsequently, a civil relationship problem is evident.
While great alarm has been raised—not only in Europe, but also in many parts of the world—one must realize that Russia’s military seems to be rather weak.
Thus, we ask: Is the alarm justified? Not when one considers that it has taken over three years, and only little progress has been made by Russia.
Yet, that seems enough reason for Europe to build up its military might; in this case, building the next generation fighter jet.
Noticeable is the international partnerships: Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, the UK, US, and Turkey.
What is all the commotion about? Again, global unity.
For Christians, the words of Jesus are important: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). We specifically note the words addressed to the believer: “see that ye be not troubled.”
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
