Japan, Britain, and Italy Join Forces to Develop Next-Generation Fighter Aircraft

In a historic move, Japan, Britain, and Italy have agreed to merge their individual plans to produce a new combat aircraft for deployment in 2035. This joint trilateral initiative, known as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), aims to develop a high-performance fighter aircraft to strengthen air superiority and enable effective deterrence. The project involves the formation of a joint body called the GCAP International Government Organization, which will manage a private sector joint venture including Mitsubishi Heavy, BAE Systems PLC, and Leonardo.

Strengthening Defense Cooperations

According to recent reports, the defense ministers of Japan, Britain, and Italy signed an agreement to establish a joint organization to develop this new advanced jet fighter. This collaboration comes as the countries push to strengthen cooperation in the face of growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. With the deployment of cutting-edge technology, this initiative is set to bring about a new era of prosperity, while bolstering collective security.

Collaborative Framework

The GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) will oversee the overall capability requirements of the aircraft. A joint business construct, led by BAE Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Leonardo, will be tasked with meeting these requirements. This signifies a key milestone in the joint development of a next-generation fighter aircraft, with workshare to be divided among the partner countries.

The Future of Aerial Combat

With eyes set on facing new threats more effectively, this aircraft is scheduled to take to the skies by 2035, harnessing next-generation technologies. The headquarters of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will be in Britain, with the first chief executive being Japanese and the head of the industry organization being from Italy. This cooperation pools resources from Britain and Italy's joint Tempest project with those of Japan's next-generation fighter plane F-X.

Boosting Economy and Innovation

Not only is this international stealth fighter jet programme set to develop an innovative stealth fighter with supersonic capability, but it also aims to create highly-skilled jobs in the UK and partner countries. The UK will host the joint GCAP government headquarters, supporting hundreds of UK jobs and working with Japanese and Italian colleagues. A new joint business construct will be headquartered in the UK, overseeing the support and timely delivery of the programme, including the 2035 in-service date of the combat aircraft.

Enhancing Security and Deterrence

The new aircraft, planned for deployment in 2035, is seen as indispensable to securing air superiority and enabling effective deterrence in Japan's increasingly severe security environment. This move is a significant step in expanding Japan's defense partnerships, contingent on the country easing its postwar ban on exporting jointly developed lethal weapons to third countries.