Germany welcome in GCAP, but new Leonardo boss warns about timing

Germany is considering joining the Italo-Japanese-UK GCAP fighter program, but Leonardo CEO Lorenzo Mariani warned that adding a new member could delay the 2035 target for the jet's first flight. The announcement follows the collapse of the French-German FCAS program, with Germany now evaluating options including purchasing F-35s, joining existing programs, or launching a new fighter project led by Germany and Airbus.