Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Guardian staff

UK joins Italy and Japan to develop British fighter jet to rival America’s F-35

Artist's impression issued by Downing Street of  the potential final design for the next generation of fighter jets developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to take to the skies by 2035 and serve as a successor to the RAF Typhoon.
Artist's impression issued by Downing Street of the potential final design for the next generation of fighter jets developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to take to the skies by 2035 and serve as a successor to the RAF Typhoon. Photograph: Downing Street/PA

Plans to develop a sixth-generation British fighter jet to rival America’s have taken a step forward with a deal to form a new company comprising defence and aerospace firms from the UK, Italy and Japan.

BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company (JAIEC), which each hold a third of the as-yet-unnamed joint-venture is expected to be established by the middle of next year.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.