UK, Japan, Italy sign deal to develop next generation fighter jets

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – The UK has signed an international treaty with Japan and Italy for a future combat air program to develop an innovative stealth fighter, the Defense Ministry announced on Thursday.

The treaty will see the headquarters of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), the defense partnership between the three countries, based in Britain.

"World-leading stealth future fighter aims to improve military capability, prosperity and strategic benefits for all three countries," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It noted that the program aims to develop an innovative stealth fighter with supersonic capability and equipped with cutting-edge technology that will support future Indo-Pacific stability and wider global security.

"The UK-based headquarters will also see us make important decisions collaboratively and at pace, working with our close partners Italy and Japan, and our impressive defence industries, to deliver an outstanding aircraft," Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said in the statement.

The planned jet will have powerful radar that can provide 10,000 times more data than current systems, providing a battle-winning advantage, according to the ministry,

Separately, the Defense Ministry announced that the UK's Carrier Strike Group will visit Japan as part of the 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment.

"Such deployments send a strong deterrence message while presenting important opportunities for engagements with key partners," Shapps said.

"Japan is our closest security partner in Asia and the task group’s visit to the country will only serve to strengthen our military and diplomatic ties," the defense secretary added.