The UK is collaborating with Japan and Italy for developing next-generation fighter jets. Here is everything you need to know.
Next-generation fighter jets: Development in the discussion
On Friday, the United Kingdom revealed it is in discussion with Japan and Italy for developing the next generation of fighter jets. The three nations will be working to design advanced front-line war vehicles. It is expected to be in operation by 2035. The Tempest, the UK-led Future Combat Air System project, will be combined with Japan’s F-X program. The project is known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). While reports mention defense partnerships for making jets with the ability to eclipse warplanes by nations such as Russia, the US, and China.
As per the Japanese Ministry of Defence, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Italy’s Leonardo, and Britain’s BAE Systems PLC will be designing the aircraft. The fighter jets will also come with the latest cyber warfare and AI capacities. Additionally, as per Rishi Sunak, this will help to “protect our people and our allies, we need to stay at the cutting-edge of advancements in defense”. Sunak is the newest Prime Minister of the UK. He added that Fumio Kishida and Giorgia Meloni, the leaders of Japan and Italy agreed to the development of the next generation of combat aircraft. The project is aimed at creating new jobs and supporting national security in all three nations.
More on the new developments
“We are announcing the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). It is an ambitious endeavor to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035,” stayed the British, Italian, and Japanese leaders in a joint statement. However, they did not mention China and Russia directly. But, the veiled remarks stated that the new fighter jets are important as “threats and aggression are increasing”. They will also help counter the “rules-based, free and open international order”. “We are also committed to upholding the rules-based, free and open international order. Which is more important than ever at a time when these principles are contested. And threats and aggression are increasing,” added the statement.