Japan, UK, and Italy Sign Agreement for Joint Development of Next-Generation Fighter Jet | WPN World People News

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara recently visited Europe to sign an agreement with the UK and Italy for the joint development of a new fighter jet. This collaboration, known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), is part of the three countries' strategy to counter threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
The GCAP aims to deploy the new fighter jet by 2035, merging Japan's F-X project with the UK's Tempest project to create a supersonic stealth fighter equipped with advanced radar systems and a virtual cockpit, capable of processing 10,000 times more data than current systems.
The project will be managed by the International Government Organization (GIGO) based in the UK, with contributions from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the UK's BAE Systems, and Italy's Leonardo. Beyond enhancing military capabilities, this initiative aims to foster industrial and technological cooperation among the three nations and create numerous high-skill jobs. The project also underscores Japan's efforts to expand its international defense partnerships, particularly with European and Indo-Pacific countries.