Comprehensive Report) Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy announced that they will merge their next-generation jet fighter project. This is the first time since World War II that Japan has launched large-scale defense industry cooperation with countries outside the United States.
On Friday (December 9) The three countries' leaders said in a joint statement (link) that the project, known as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), is a new partnership between the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy to provide the next generation of air combat fighters by 2035.
"Through GCAP, we will build our long-term defense relationship", the statement said, "GCAP will accelerate our advanced military capabilities and technological advantages. It will deepen our defense cooperation, scientific and technological cooperation, integrate supply chains, and further strengthen our defense industrial base."
three leaders said that the plan will bring broader economic and industrial benefits, support employment and livelihoods in Italy, Japan and the UK, and maintain the three countries' ability to independently design, deliver and upgrade cutting-edge fighter jets in the future.
This plan mainly merges the UK's Tempest fighter program with the Japanese F-X fighter program.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the three countries said: "We are committed to maintaining the rules-based, free and open international order , which is more important than ever when these principles are subject to increasing controversy, threats and aggression."
Japan's Ministry of Defense said that the British Bayi Systems Corporation (BAE), Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Italy's Leonardo S.p.A) will lead the design of the aircraft, which will have advanced digital capabilities for artificial intelligence and cyber warfare.
Japan Defense Ministry also mentioned that MBDA, a manufacturer of missile in Europe, will also join this plan; the engines are Mitsubishi Electric , Rolls-Royce PLC, Japan's IHI company and Italy's Avio Aero company, etc.
will maintain interoperability with NATO allies
Three Kingdoms Statement stated that the design of this fighter is centered on our allies and partners. It will maintain “interoperability with the United States, NATO and our partners in Europe, the Indo-Pacific and globally”.
"We all have ambitions and hope that this aircraft can become the core of a wider combat aviation system and play a role in multiple fields," said the leaders of the Three Kingdoms.
According to Reuters , the three countries have not yet determined some details of how the project will be carried out, including the work share and development location.
Sources told Reuters that the UK also hopes Japan will improve procedures for providing security permits to fighter jet R&D contractors.
UK said other countries could join the project, adding that the fighter would replace its typhoon fighter (Eurofighter Typhoon), supplement its F-35 fleet, and be compatible with other NATO (NATO) partners.
A few days ago, France, Germany and Spain had just confirmed that the new generation of fighter jets had entered the next stage and were expected to start service in 2040.
The United States said it would like to see the joint R&D plan between European countries and Japan.
In a joint statement with the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the US Department of Defense said: "The United States supports Japan to carry out security and defense cooperation with like-minded allies and partners, including cooperation with its close partners, Britain and Italy, on the development of the next generation of fighter ." The statement added: "Japan and the United States agreed to start next year to carry out specific cooperation on the autonomous drone system. This effort between the two countries will greatly strengthen Japan's efforts. The United States alliance expands cooperation with like-minded partners, so that we can jointly respond to future threats in the Indo-Pacific region and even the world."
