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
-
![Australia and Singapore open expanded training area in Queensland]()
Australia and Singapore open expanded training area in Queensland
Australia and Singapore have expanded Queensland’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), adding advanced facilities and technologies to support larger, longer joint military exercises under their ongoing strategic partnership.
-
![Switzerland selects AGM 155mm artillery system]()
Switzerland selects AGM 155mm artillery system
The Swiss Army has selected the KNDS 155mm/52 Artillery Gun Module on the Piranha IV (10x10) to replace its aging M109 howitzers.
-
![British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four]()
British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four
Three of the bidding consortia have dropped out of the competition to become STP for the British Army Collective Training Service.
-
![Bureaucratic syndrome holds back India’s AEW&Cs]()
Bureaucratic syndrome holds back India’s AEW&Cs
If India is to remain competitive with its neighbouring powers, it still requires a definitive answer to its critical shortage of AEW&C systems.
-
![South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess]()
South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess
Shephard takes a deep dive into the latest developments in the South Korean defence sector as the country arms itself to deal with current and future threats.
