UK, Japan, Italy to develop next-generation fighter jets

BY A STAFF REPORTER: The United Kingdom on Friday announced an unprecedented international aerospace coalition with Italy and Japan to adapt and respond to future security threats. "The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a new partnership and ambitious endeavour between the UK, Japan and Italy to deliver the next generation of combat air fighter jets," Downing Street said in a statement. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to visit a UK base today to launch the first major phase of the programme, which aims to harness the combined expertise of defence technology industries to push the boundaries of what has been achieved in aerospace engineering to date. "Due to take to the skies by 2035, the ambition is for this to be a next-generation jet enhanced by a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft, advanced sensors, cutting-edge weapons and innovative data systems," the UK Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.