UK and Japan Launch Next-Generation Fighter Deal

The leaders of Britain and Japan on Sunday announced a technology partnership aimed at strengthening national security and creating new jobs, pledging to accelerate development of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a next-generation fighter jet project.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, with a group of business leaders also attending to discuss deeper cooperation in technology, green energy and defense. Alongside announcements of contracts worth a total of £18 billion ($22.7bn) in infrastructure, financial services and wind energy, Takaichi said deep security ties were at the heart of the relationship between the two countries. "We concluded to further accelerate the progress of the Global Combat Air Program GCAP, which is the cornerstone of our security cooperation", she said.

GCAP is being developed by a joint venture between Britain's BAE Systems, Italy's Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, backed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The partnership also includes export agreements, manufacturing links and research projects involving major firms from both countries, including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and NEC Corporation. "These landmark agreements will bring multi-billion pound investment into the UK, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and driving new developments", Starmer said.

(reuters, im)