[deep research] "GCAP: UK, Japan, and Italy Unite for Sixth-Generation Stealth Fighter Dev

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a strategic multinational initiative launched by the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2. Initiated in 2018 with the UK's Tempest project, the collaboration gained momentum when Italy joined in 2019 and culminated in the formal announcement of GCAP in December 2022. A trilateral cooperation agreement was signed in September 2023, leading to the establishment of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) in December 2023 to oversee the program. The project aims to integrate advanced technologies such as AI, augmented reality, and biometric monitoring into the fighter design. Funding is split with the UK and Japan contributing 40% each, while Italy covers 20%. Approximately 9,000 personnel are involved, fostering significant industrial engagement. Despite interest from Sweden and Saudi Arabia in joining, Japan's caution over t