On Friday, the United Kingdom announced that it has earmarked more than $800 million for the next phase of its collaborative fighter jet program with Japan and Italy,
with a significant contract being awarded to BAE Systems.
The three countries agreed to collaborate on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in December, which aims to develop a next-generation fighter jet. This initiative marks Japan's first major industrial defense collaboration with a country other than the United States since World War Two.
"The next tranche of funding for future combat air will help fuse the combined technologies and expertise we have with our international partners – both in Europe and the Pacific - to deliver this world-leading fighter jet by 2035," said British defense minister Ben Wallace.
BAE Systems secured the contract worth 656 million pounds ($822 million), which will also involve project partners Leonardo UK, missile manufacturer MBDA UK, and Rolls-Royce UK, who will be responsible for the engine.
The UK's defense ministry stated that the focus of the contract will be on developing technology for the jet, and that the investment is part of the 2 billion pounds that the government has already committed to its fighter program until 2025, before it partnered with Japan and Italy on GCAP.
This announcement highlights the commitment of the three nations to invest in the development of advanced military technology, with a focus on collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise. The fighter jet program is expected to bring significant economic benefits to all countries involved, creating jobs and generating revenue.
The collaboration between the three countries represents an exciting opportunity for the future of military aviation, and the investment in technology and resources will help ensure that the fighter jet program remains at the forefront of innovation in the industry. Photo: SAC Tim Laurence/MOD, Wikimedia commons.