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.
