UK-Italy-Japan come together for an international aerospace coalition to manufacture NextGen fighter jets

London, Dec 12: The UK recently announced an unprecedented international aerospace coalition with Italy and Japan to adapt and respond to future security threats. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited a UK base on Friday (Dec 9) to launch the first major phase of the programme.

 

 

 

 

"The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a new partnership and ambitious endeavour between the UK, Japan and Italy to deliver the next generation of combat air fighter jets," Downing Street said in a statement. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited a UK base to launch the first major phase of the programme, which aims to harness the combined expertise of defence technology industries to push the boundaries of what has been achieved in aerospace engineering to date.

 

 

 

 

 

"Due to take to the skies by 2035, the ambition is for this to be a next-generation jet enhanced by a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft, advanced sensors, cutting-edge weapons and innovative data systems," the UK Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. By combining forces with Italy and Japan on the next phase of the programme, the UK plans to utilize their expertise, share costs and ensure the RAF remains interoperable with our closest partners.

 

The project is expected to create high-skilled jobs in all three countries, strengthening our industrial base and driving innovation with benefits beyond pure military use. Sunak said the security of the United Kingdom, both today and for future generations, will always be of paramount importance to this Government. "That's why we need to stay at the cutting-edge of advancements in defence technology - outpacing and out-manoeuvring those who seek to do us harm," the British PM said.