News Desk
ISLAMABAD/TOKYO: Japan will join hands with Britain and Italy to build highly advanced next-generation jet fighters, spanning Europe and Asia.
This will be Japan’s first major defence collaboration beyond the United States since World War II.
Advanced front-line jet fighters
The project aims to implement an advanced front-line jet fighter by 2035. These jet fighters will be built by combining the British-led Future Combat Air System project, Tempest, with Japan’s F-X programme, also called the Global Combat Air Programme.
The joint venture could help Japan counter the growing military might of China against the backdrop of intensifying military activities by China around Japan and Taiwan. The joint project will also give Britain a bigger security role in the region considered a key driver of global economic growth, according to Reuters.
Joint statement
The three countries issued a joint statement stating that they were committed to upholding the rules-based, free and open international order, which was more crucial than ever at a time when these principles were contested, and threats and aggression were increasing.
Amid deteriorating regional security, Japan will likely announce a military build-up plan this month that includes double defence spending to about 2 per cent of gross domestic product over five years.
Separately British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that his country needed to stay at the cutting edge of defence technology and that the deal would deliver new employment.
Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Britain’s BAE Systems PLC and Italy’s Leonardo will shape the design of the joint aircraft, which will have advanced digital capabilities in artificial intelligence and cyber warfare.
MBDA, a European missile maker, will join the project, along with avionics manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric Corp, Rolls-Royce PLC, Avio Aero and IHI Corp.
