In a strategic move to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities and industrial expertise, Leonardo’s Co-General Manager, Lorenzo Mariani, has suggested that establishing assembly lines for NH90 helicopters and Eurofighter Typhoon jets could serve as a foundational step for the kingdom’s entry into the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
The GCAP is a collaborative initiative between Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan, aiming to develop a sixth-generation fighter aircraft by 2035. This program represents a significant advancement in defense technology, integrating cutting-edge systems across multiple domains.
Building Industrial Competence
Mariani emphasized that for Saudi Arabia to effectively participate in the GCAP, it is essential to enhance its aerospace industrial base. He proposed that initiating local assembly and production of existing platforms like the Eurofighter and NH90 helicopters would provide the necessary experience and infrastructure.
“For a rapid but not disruptive entry of another partner to GCAP, you need a path that takes into account the industrial capacity of the partner,” Mariani stated. “It is not only about money but about having work.”
This approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and develop indigenous industrial capabilities, including defense manufacturing. By engaging in the assembly and production of the Eurofighter and NH90, Saudi Arabia can cultivate the technical expertise required for more advanced projects like the GCAP.
Strategic Partnerships and Agreements
The proposal comes on the heels of a memorandum of understanding signed between Saudi Arabia and Leonardo, focusing on industrial cooperation in fighter aircraft and helicopters. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in expanding its fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons beyond the existing 72 aircraft and is considering the acquisition of NH90 helicopters.
Mariani highlighted that such collaborations would not only enhance Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities but also provide a structured pathway into the GCAP. “Since a process to enter GCAP is needed, and it needs time, let’s use the time to create as much activity as possible,” he suggested. “We propose to work on programs together, which could be the new Eurofighter and the NH90. It’s a very different approach. We used to sell; now we are saying let’s work together.”
Eurofighter’s Evolution and Saudi Involvement
The Eurofighter Typhoon, initially developed through a collaboration among the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, has undergone continuous upgrades to maintain its competitiveness in modern aerial combat. Mariani noted that with new radars and incoming orders, the Eurofighter is “in a process of long-term evolution.” He added, “The Eurofighter will come out of this process fundamentally transformed, and Saudi Arabia can have a role in this process.”
Potential areas for Saudi industrial participation include establishing assembly lines and production facilities for major components such as radars and avionics. This involvement would not only contribute to the Eurofighter’s evolution but also prepare Saudi industries for the complexities of the GCAP.
GCAP’s Strategic Significance
The GCAP represents one of the most ambitious endeavors in the aerospace and defense sectors, aiming to produce a next-generation fighter aircraft equipped with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and seamless integration across various operational domains. The program is expected to drive technological development and economic growth among the participating nations, creating highly skilled jobs and supporting extensive supply chains.
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s inclusion in the GCAP, acknowledging that while the integration of a new partner requires detailed discussions among the founding nations, it is a favorable prospect.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Strategy and Future Prospects
Saudi Arabia has been rapidly expanding its defense sector as part of its broader economic transformation under Vision 2030. The country has heavily invested in indigenous military production and technology transfer agreements, aiming to localize 50% of its defense spending by 2030.
By leveraging its existing Eurofighter fleet and expanding its involvement in the aircraft’s production, Saudi Arabia can position itself as a key contributor to European and international defense projects. Establishing a local assembly line for the Eurofighter and NH90 helicopters could lay the groundwork for further participation in next-generation fighter development, which requires substantial engineering, manufacturing, and technological expertise.
Mariani’s proposal suggests that Leonardo is keen to take a more collaborative approach, shifting from a traditional supplier relationship to a true industrial partnership with Saudi Arabia. If this strategy is implemented, it could significantly benefit both parties: Saudi Arabia would gain critical experience in advanced fighter jet production, while Leonardo would strengthen its presence in the Middle East defense market.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the apparent advantages, integrating Saudi Arabia into the GCAP would require overcoming significant challenges. The program’s founding nations—Italy, the UK, and Japan—would need to reach a consensus on expanding membership. Given the complexity of international defense collaborations, negotiations over intellectual property rights, technology transfer agreements, and funding contributions would be critical factors in determining Saudi Arabia’s potential entry.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia must demonstrate its readiness to meet the high standards of production and technological sophistication required for GCAP participation. While investing in the Eurofighter and NH90 programs would provide valuable experience, further investments in research and development, training, and infrastructure would be necessary to align with the capabilities of existing GCAP partners.
Conclusion
Leonardo’s proposal to use the Eurofighter and NH90 programs as stepping stones for Saudi Arabia’s entry into the GCAP underscores a strategic approach to international defense collaboration. By building industrial competence through existing platforms, Saudi Arabia can position itself as a valuable partner in the development of next-generation defense technologies, aligning with its national objectives and contributing to global security advancements.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Saudi Arabia can secure a place in GCAP. If the plan moves forward, it could mark a significant milestone in Saudi-Italian defense cooperation and redefine Saudi Arabia’s role in global aerospace innovation. Whether the kingdom will successfully transition from an arms buyer to an advanced defense manufacturer remains to be seen, but the groundwork for such a shift is already being laid.
