The defense ministers of Japan, the U.K., and Italy have agreed to expedite the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet. They announced the establishment of a trilateral government organization by the end of this year to collaborate with the entities involved in producing the aircraft. This initiative stems from the 2022 agreement among the three countries to collectively manufacture a new combat aircraft, slated for deployment in 2035, under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance cooperation in response to escalating threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
The forthcoming stealth fighter jet is intended to replace Japan's retiring F-2s, developed in partnership with the U.S., and the Eurofighter Typhoons, a collaborative effort involving the U.K., Italy, Spain, and Germany. The GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) will be established to oversee the development of the aircraft, with headquarters in the U.K. and a Japanese official at the helm.
Key private sector companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan, BAE Systems PLC from the U.K., and Leonardo from Italy, are actively participating in the project. The ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven defense ministers meeting in Naples, Italy, solidified the commitment to this joint endeavor.
The launch of GIGO and the progress towards signing the first contract next year signify a significant milestone in the project. The involvement of Mitsubishi Heavy and its counterparts from the U.K. and Italy was showcased through a 1/10th model of the joint fighter jet at a recent aerospace exhibit in Tokyo.
The development of the joint fighter jet is expected to have a positive impact on Japanese suppliers and the country's industrial base. By leveraging the strengths of Japanese suppliers and their advanced technologies, the project aims to enhance the quality of the fighter jet. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move to bolster Japan's defense industry, which has traditionally been domestic-focused and underdeveloped.
Japan's decision to relax its arms export restrictions underscores its commitment to strengthening its military capabilities in response to China's increasing assertiveness. The joint fighter jet project is a crucial step towards achieving this goal and ensuring a more stable business environment for Japanese suppliers.
