The defense ministers of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy have reached an agreement to accelerate the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet. This significant announcement came during a meeting held on Saturday in Naples, Italy. Reports from Japanese media, specifically Kyodo News, highlight that the three nations aim to finalize the first public-private contract for this ambitious project by next year, with a target to deploy the new aircraft by 2035.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, along with his British counterpart John Healey and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, discussed various aspects of the fighter jet project during what marked the G7’s inaugural ministerial meeting dedicated to defense matters. This meeting underscores the growing importance of defense collaboration among G7 nations, especially in light of evolving global security challenges.
To spearhead the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), Nakatani announced the appointment of Masami Oka, who previously served as Japan’s vice minister of defense for international affairs. His expertise is expected to facilitate smoother coordination among the participating countries as they work towards the development of this advanced fighter aircraft.
The establishment of the GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) is also on the agenda, with plans to set it up in the UK later this year. This organization will play a crucial role in managing the various aspects of the aircraft’s development, ensuring that all parties involved work cohesively towards their common goal.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the collaboration on the next-generation fighter jet illustrates a strategic move by these nations to enhance their defense capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the aerospace sector. The successful development of this aircraft could significantly impact military operations and readiness in the coming decades.
