TOKYO/LONDON, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Japan, Britain and Italy are merging next-generation fighter jet projects in a groundbreaking partnership spanning Europe and Asia, the first major collaboration of Japan’s industrial defense beyond the United States since World War II. .
The deal, reported by Reuters in July, aims to field an advanced frontline fighter by 2035 by combining Britain’s Future Combat Air System project, also known as Tempest, with Japan’s FX program in a company called Global Combat. Air Program (GCAP), the three countries said in a statement on Friday.
Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increasing Chinese military activity around Japan and Taiwan, the deal could help Japan counter the growing military power of its larger neighbor and give Britain a greater security role in a region that is a key driver of the global economy. growth.
“We are committed to upholding the rules-based, free and open international order, which is more important than ever at a time when those principles are challenged and threats and aggression increase,” the three countries said in a statement. a joint statement by the leaders. .
Amid what it sees as deteriorating regional security, Japan will announce a military build-up plan this month that is expected to double defense spending to around 2% of gross domestic product over five years.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said separately that his country must stay at the forefront of defense technology and the deal will create new jobs.
Britain’s BAE Systems PLC (BAES.L), Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (7011.T) and Italy’s Leonardo (LDOF.MI) will lead the design of the aircraft, which will have advanced digital AI and cyber warfare capabilities , according to the Japanese ministry. of the defense.
NATO COMPATIBLE
European missile maker MBDA will also join the project, along with avionics maker Mitsubishi Electric Corp (6503.T). Rolls-Royce PLC (RROYC.UL), IHI Corp (7013.T) and Avio Aero will work on the engine, the ministry added.
The three countries, however, have yet to agree certain details on how the project will unfold, including work shares and where development will take place.
Britain also wants Japan to improve the way it provides security clearances to contractors who will work on the plane, sources familiar with the discussion told Reuters.
Other countries could join the project, Britain said, adding that the fighter, which will replace its Typhoon fighters and complement its F-35 Lightning fleet, will be compatible with fighters flown by other NATO partners. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Confirmation of the plan comes days after companies in France, Germany and Spain secured the next phase of a rival initiative to build a next-generation fighter that could be operational from 2040.
The United States, which is committed to defending the three countries through its membership in NATO and a separate security pact with Japan, also welcomed the joint Europe-Japan agreement.
“The United States supports Japan’s security and defense cooperation with allies and like-minded partners, including the United Kingdom and Italy,” the U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement. a joint statement with the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
Japan initially considered building its next fighter with the help of US defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp
Reporting by Tim Kelly, Nobuhiro Kubo in TOKYO and Paul Sandle in LONDON; Editing by Robert Birsel
Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.