Defence Secretary John Healey has wrapped up his first official visit to Japan, where he met Prime Minister Ishiba and Defence Minister Nakatani — celebrating the UK’s growing partnership
with Japan and welcoming the arrival of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group in Tokyo.
New figures show just how much this partnership is paying off at home. The UK’s Future Combat Air System programme — part of the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Japan and Italy — is now supporting more than 4,500 skilled jobs across the UK, from the South West to Scotland. On top of that, industry investment in research and development has jumped by over £100 million, taking the total past £700 million.
In a joint statement, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to GCAP, which aims to deliver a next-generation fighter jet while also driving jobs, investment, and innovation in Britain. Healey stressed that defence ties with Japan aren’t just about security — they’re also a key part of the UK’s plan to boost economic growth.
While in Tokyo, the Defence Secretary welcomed HMS Prince of Wales and the Carrier Strike Group, calling the sailors, soldiers, and aviators onboard “a credit to Britain.” The UK’s flagship carrier is currently hosting the Pacific Future Forum — a two-day international summit bringing together defence and industry leaders to discuss future security challenges.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:
“The UK-Japan partnership is one of the strongest in the Indo-Pacific and continues to deliver real benefits for both countries through programmes like GCAP.
It was a privilege to welcome the sailors, soldiers and aviators on board HMS Prince of Wales to Japan and thank them for their tireless work on this deployment.
The Carrier Strike Group helps the UK to strengthen alliances and cement new partnerships, ensuring the UK is secure at home and strong abroad”.
The deployment is part of Operation Highmast, the UK’s largest naval mission in a generation, involving nearly 4,000 personnel and spanning the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. HMS Prince of Wales is showcasing British engineering at its best, carrying up to 24 F-35B Lightning II fighter jets — the largest fifth-generation air wing the Royal Navy has ever put to sea.
This visit also marks a new high point in UK–Japan military cooperation. Britain was the first European nation to conduct a bilateral exercise on Japanese soil, and joint training between RAF and Japanese forces continues to deepen. Earlier this month, a UK F-35B fighter jet made history by landing on a Japanese ship for the very first time.
With growing investment, stronger military ties, and a united vision for security in the Indo-Pacific, the UK–Japan defence partnership is proving to be a win-win — keeping both nations safer while supporting British jobs and industry back home.