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Japan, the UK and Italy are bringing together their next-generation fighter projects in a groundbreaking partnership spanning Europe and Asia, Japan’s first major industrial defense collaboration outside the US since World War II.
Reuters already wrote about the agreement in July. However, the three countries have now announced their goal to have an advanced front-line fighter aircraft operational by 2035 by merging Britain’s Future Combat Air System (Tempest) project and Japan’s FX program into a venture called the Global Combat Air Program (Global Combat Air Program). GCAP).
Against the background of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increased Chinese military activity around Japan and Taiwan, the deal could help Japan counter China’s growing military power and increase the UK’s role in providing security in a region that is a key driver of global economic growth.
“We are committed to upholding a rules-based, free and open international order, which is more important than ever at a time when these principles are being challenged and threats and aggression are on the rise,” the three countries said in a joint statement.
Amid what it sees as deteriorating regional security, Japan this month is announcing a military development plan that is expected to double defense spending, which is about 2 percent of gross domestic product, within five years.
Separately, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his country needed to remain at the forefront of defense technology and that the deal would create new jobs. Britain’s BAE Systems, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Italy’s Leonardo will lead the development of the aircraft, which Japan’s defense ministry says will have advanced digital AI and cyber warfare capabilities.
European missile manufacturer MBDA is also joining the project, while avionics manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric, Rolls-Royce PLC (RROYC.UL), IHI Corp (7013.T) and Avio Aero will work on the engine, the ministry added.
However, the three countries have yet to work out some of the details of how the project will develop, including the division of labor and the location of the development. The UK also wants Japan to improve its safety clearance procedures for aircraft contractors.
The UK said other countries could join the project, adding that the fighter, which will replace the Typhoon fighters and complement the F-35 Lightning fleet, will be compatible with fighters from other NATO partners. The confirmation of the plan comes days after French, German and Spanish companies backed the next phase of a competing initiative to build a next-generation fighter that could enter service from 2040.
The United States, which has committed itself to defending all three countries through its NATO membership and a separate security pact with Japan, also welcomed the joint European-Japanese agreement. “The United States supports Japan’s security and defense cooperation with allies and like-minded partners, including Britain and Italy,” the US and Japanese defense ministries said in a joint statement. Japan initially considered building its next fighter jet with the help of US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, which proposed an aircraft combining the F-22 airframe with the flight systems of the F-35 fighter jet.
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