ROME -- Defense contractors should take an equal split in the Japan-U.K.-Italy program to develop a next-generation fighter jet, the CEO of Italian company Leonardo told Nikkei Asia recently, as a competence assessment is underway to determine the strengths of each partner.
Media reports had pointed to a possible 4:4:2 ownership split in favor of the U.K. and Japan that may leave Italy with less say, but also lower costs, in the execution of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Roberto Cingolani, the leader of Italy's biggest defense contractor, said in a rare interview that he would want an equal partnership.
