The United Kingdom is open to Saudi participation in the pioneering fighter jet project
A senior British defense source told the Financial Times: “We see Saudi Arabia
As a key partner in the fighter program, we are working to ensure a solid progression as soon as possible."
- It is expected that the Saudi participation will include a significant contribution to engineering expertise
- The program is expected to cost in excess of $91 billion.
But Riyadh's request created discussions in the alliance, as Japan opposed its membership while the United Kingdom and Italy were open to the idea.
Tokyo worries that having a fourth member in the alliance could push back the already tight deadline. The countries aim to develop the aircraft in roughly half the time it took to build the Eurofighter Typhoon, using advanced manufacturing methods and digital tools.
Claysen said talks about Riyadh's bid were taking place at a government level, and BAE was focused on delivering the program on time, although it "supports the UK government in its talks".
In response to a question whether there was a risk that the 2035 date might be postponed in light of Saudi Arabia's request, Claysen said: "Not at all."
British defense officials had previously told the Financial Times that the kingdom was seen as a "key partner" in the GCAP fighter programme. Saudi Arabia could also bring in funds and engineering expertise for the project.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense said in a statement to the "Financial Times" that the door is open for the participation of another country in the "GCAP fighter program."
But on condition that there is no delay in the development schedule. She also said that Japan will make efforts to strengthen defense ties with Saudi Arabia, the country's largest oil supplier. The ministry declined to comment on whether Tokyo would support or oppose the Saudi intervention.
Britain's Ministry of Defense said it was "committed to delivering this world-leading combat aircraft alongside our partners by 2035".
He added that although securing export orders was a major part of the programme, the question of how and if other countries would join became more difficult given the amount of work that had already been done.
"You start to look more at the hierarchy or other mechanisms, where people can have at least observer status, all the way to being a full partner," he said.
Japan's Defense Ministry said the United Kingdom and Italy have stressed the export potential of the GCAP program. They are discussing a review of the country's arms export policy.
Sweden, which launched a joint study with the UK in 2019 to collaborate on a joint program to develop combat aviation, is no longer participating, although Claesen said that does not mean the "door is hermetically closed" to Saab, the country's main defense contractor.
因みに中東諸国は資金力を背景に欧米の防衛企業、IT企業、AIに関連したベンチャーなどを積極的に買収しているため、サウジアラビアに技術がないと見下していると何れ痛い目にあうはずだ。
This is an important point. The article says, "Because Saudi Arabia has bought so many defense, IT and artificial intelligence companies, you'd be wrong (feel pain) if you thought Saudi Arabia didn't have the technology.
Construction of the first prototype should begin in 2025, and the aircraft should make its first flight in 2028.
The aircraft are scheduled to enter the Royal Air Force in 2035, replacing the fleet of Typhoon fighters.
In addition, the UK government is more interested in the domestic program of the promising aircraft, since the total number of ordered American F-35B fighters has been reduced to 80 plates.
In addition, Martin Baker and BAE Systems conducted the first trials of an ejection seat for the Tempest aircraft in June 2023.
The company is also showing footage of the BAE Mosquito unmanned systems, which are supposed to play a role in air battles.
It is important to agree on the appearance of the aircraft between the three countries in 2024-2025.
The Tempest is being developed under the GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme) program, which includes the UK, Italy and Japan.
In addition, based on the scientific and technical research that these countries will conduct, Japan will create its version of the new generation of aircraft under the name F-X.