Undersecretary Perego: “GCAP: a strategic opportunity for Italy”

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“The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is an innovative project, based on shared values and close synergy between the relevant countries. Cooperation between Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom is a model of strategic cooperation that is essential to effectively tackle future challenges”. Thus Undersecretary of State for Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago on behalf of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, during his speech at New Partnership Among Italy, Japan and the UK on the Global Combat Air Programme. The event was organized by the International Affairs Institute. 

“Japan’s availability to cooperate with Italy and the United Kingdom was a historical step, made possible by the excellence of our industrial fabric.”, the Undersecretary underscored.

“GCAP is a fundamental tool to guarantee a competitive edge in the Air Combat sector. The programme allows Italy to safeguard and enhance its competences and technological capabilities of excellence. The latter are essential for the design, development and production of a new generation air system. Moreover, the programme will have a strong spill-over effect on the whole national industrial ecosystem, generating innovation and across-the-board know-how.”

Economic returns will be significant, both in terms of industrial growth and jobs. “GCAP involves a large network of Italian realities, from large space sector companies to SMIs, promoting a cooperation model that enhances the country’s industrial and academy excellences, Perego underscored.

One of the programme’s key aspects is investments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) competences, indispensable to tackle the challenges of technological and digital transformation: “Italy’s participation in such an advanced initiative allows to train and keep high-qualified talents in Italy by offering new opportunities to young engineers, researchers and specialized technicians. GCAP is therefore a driver for development for the entire national innovation ecosystem, consolidating Italy’s role as a leading country in applied research and new technologies.”, the Undersecretary concluded.