Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) UK-Japan-Italy

[Maro.Kyo]

GCAP has an emphasis on range for UK and Japanese ADIZ patrols / interception, but why would Italy need that range?

Because ADIZ patrol is not the only thing GCAP will do. And more importantly current day NATO front is way way further to the East/North. Obviously UK and Italy would want longer range compared to their jets during the Cold War, in case something happens to any NATO member state neighbouring Russia and Belarus and they need to provide DCA over friendly territories, deep strike Kaliningrad and Russian mainland, and operate over the Baltics and Black Sea for ASuW and CAP roles. Even when they forward deploy to Germany/other central European countries like how RAF air wings did during the Cold War, they would want to deploy to air bases further away from majority of Russian stand-off PGMs.

I don't understand why people can't understand Italy needs long-range fighters under current security climate. It's simply because they are not neighbouring any hostile adversaries.

 

[TsrJoe]

This is the GCAP. thread, could some please stop contaminating it with irrelevant F-35 suppositions
Moderators, cleanup on isle two please ?

 

[Bruno Anthony]

in a possible war with our most likely problematic nation (IE Russia)

Modern Italy will never fire a shot in anger at anyone that could retaliate & disturb the evening passeggiata. The Left in Italy pulled the country’s pants down during the Euromissile crisis in the early 80s. They’ll have help pulling its pants down now from the Right.

 

[timmymagic]

I don't understand why people can't understand Italy needs long-range fighters under current security climate. It's simply because they are not neighbouring any hostile adversaries.

You could add that our potential adversaries are increasing the range of their missiles with the specific aim of targeting AAR and other enablers...so range will be critical.

 

[Jackonicko]

This is the GCAP. thread, could some please stop contaminating it with irrelevant F-35 suppositions
Moderators, cleanup on isle two please ?

F-35A is being offered and promoted as an alternative to GCAP for the UK FCAS requirement, and in Japan and Italy. It's part of the story.