The UK, Italy and Japan will join forces to develop the fighter jets of the future.
London: The UK will work with Italy and Japan to adapt and respond to the security threats of the upcoming days, through an unprecedented international aerospace coalition announced by the Prime Minister on Friday.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak said, "the security of the United Kingdom, both today and for future generations, will always be of paramount importance to this Government."
That’s why we need to stay at the cutting-edge of advancements in defence technology – outpacing and out-manoeuvring those who seek to do us harm, he added.
He emphasized the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a new partnership and ambitious endeavour between the UK, Japan and Italy to deliver the next generation of combat air fighter jets.
Mr. Rishi Sunak will visit a UK RAF base today to launch the first major phase of the programme, which aims to harness the combined expertise and strength of our countries’ defence technology industries to push the boundaries of what has been achieved in aerospace engineering to date.
Due to take to the skies by 2035, the ambition is for this to be a next-generation jet enhanced by a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft, advanced sensors, cutting-edge weapons and innovative data processing.
By combining forces with Italy and Japan on the next phase of the programme, the UK will utilise their expertise, share costs and ensure the RAF remains interoperable with our closest partners. The project is expected to create high-skilled jobs in all three countries, strengthening our industrial base and driving innovation with benefits beyond pure military implementation.
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