According to a recent report by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan, the UK and Italy are coordinating Saudi Arabia's participation in the joint research and development of a new generation of fighter aircraft, and have high hopes for Saudi Arabia's financial strength. Saudi Arabia, unlike the participating countries that signed the treaty, will participate in the program as a "partner". This move will help Saudi Arabia promote the development of its defense industry. According to reports, Japanese and British officials have confirmed the above news. The Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a new generation fighter jet development project, was launched in December 2022. It is jointly developed by the Japanese, British, and Italian governments and civilians, and aims to be deployed by 2035. It is said that the performance of this fighter jet will surpass the latest fighter jets such as the US F-35, and it belongs to the sixth generation model. On the 19th, Japan, Britain, and Italy held consultations at the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Brazil regarding Saudi Arabia's participation in fighter jet development plans. The policy of involving Saudi Arabia was also confirmed at the high-level talks held in the UK afterwards. Four countries, including Saudi Arabia, are negotiating towards reaching an agreement within this year. According to reports, Japan, Britain, and Italy will soon establish a Global Air Operations Program International Government Organization (GIGO) in the UK to promote joint development, and plan to involve Saudi Arabia without changing the treaty and GIGO framework. The report states that Saudi Arabia does not have the same fighter jet manufacturing capabilities as Japan, Britain, and Italy, and there are concerns about the protection of confidential intelligence. Under the collaboration between Japan, Britain, and Italy, Saudi Arabia will first enhance its information protection and manufacturing capabilities, and further clarify its specific role on this basis. There is a proposal that the new generation fighter jets purchased by Saudi Arabia can be assembled domestically by itself. In addition to the cost of purchasing a new generation fighter jet, Saudi Arabia may also need to bear some of the research and development expenses. (New Society)