Japan, UK, Italy to jointly develop next-generation fighter jet
TOKYO (AP) — Japan, Britain and Italy have agreed to work together to develop a new next-generation fighter jet, Japan’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday.
“The three ministers reaffirmed the significance of cooperating in the field of defense equipment and technology and welcomed the progress of the joint study on the development of the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) . . . and agreed to start discussions in a new framework,” the ministry said in a statement after a virtual meeting among the defense chiefs.
In February, the three countries signed an agreement to start joint research on the FCAS, which is expected to eventually replace the current fleets of Eurofighter Typhoon and F-2 fighter jets. Japan has been developing its own advanced jet fighter in recent years.
Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini said in the meeting that the joint development “represents an unprecedented and historical step, crucial for the security of our nations and of the whole international community.”
Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said he hopes the cooperation will help Japan acquire the necessary technology for its own future fighter jet while also enhancing deterrence and response capabilities against threats in the region.
He said Japan and the U.K. have been jointly studying the development of the new fighter since last year and that Italy’s participation is expected to strengthen the endeavor.
The three ministers agreed to continue collaborating and to develop a framework for the project by the end of the year.