British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed on Friday that the UK will collaborate with Italy and Japan on the next generation of combat air fighter jets through a “unprecedented” multinational aerospace alliance.
A new alliance called the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is described as an ambitious effort to respond to and adapt to future security challenges.
The new fighter jets, which are scheduled to enter service by 2035, are anticipated to be improved by a network of capabilities including unmanned aircraft, cutting-edge sensors, cutting-edge missiles, and cutting-edge data systems.
For this government, the security of the United Kingdom—both now and in the future—will always be of the utmost importance.
The international partnership we have announced today with Italy and Japan aims to do just that, underscoring that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are indivisible, he said. “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,” he said.
The British Indian leader said this before visiting RAF Coningsby in eastern England to kick off the program’s first significant phase. “The next generation of combat aircraft we design will protect us and our allies around the world by harnessing the strength of our world-beating defence industry,” he added.
Downing Street claims that by working together with Italy and Japan on the program’s upcoming phase, the UK will make use of its knowledge, split costs, and guarantee that the RAF is still interoperable with its closest allies.
The initiative is anticipated to boost the industrial foundation and spur innovation with uses beyond just the military in all three countries by creating high-skilled jobs.
According to officials, it is hoped that more nations with similar ideologies would eventually join GCAP or work together to develop greater capabilities, which will increase UK exports.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the combat aircraft created by GCAP will work with the fighter jets of other NATO allies.
“This international partnership with Italy and Japan to create and design the next generation of combat aircraft, represents the best collaboration of cutting edge defence technology and expertise shared across our nations, providing highly skilled jobs across the sector and long-term security for Britain and our allies,” said UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
In order to achieve this enormous defence project, the UK, Italy, and Japan will now work “intensively” to design the core platform concept and put in place the structures required. The development phase will then begin in 2025.
Partners will also concur on the cost-sharing agreements prior to the development phase based on a shared evaluation of expenses and national budgets, according to Downing Street.
The UK has stated that in addition to working with Italy and Japan to create the basic future combat aircraft, it will also evaluate its needs for any extra capabilities, such as weaponry and unmanned aircraft.
