(CLO) The defense ministers of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy have agreed to accelerate the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet, and announced the establishment of a joint agency to work with aircraft manufacturers.
Since 2022, the three countries have agreed to jointly produce a new fighter jet, ready for deployment by 2035, under the Global Combat Air Force Program (GCAP), to enhance cooperation in the face of growing threats.
On October 20, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, following a meeting with his British and Italian counterparts, John Healey and Guido Crosetto, announced that a joint body called the Government- International Organization for the Development of the aircraft would be established by the end of this year to oversee the development process.
The next-generation stealth fighter jet will replace Japan's soon-to-be-retired F-2s, which it developed in collaboration with the United States, as well as the Eurofighter Typhoon, a joint production of the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Germany.
A 1:10 scale model of the next-generation fighter jet. Photo: AP
Several private companies, including Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy, the UK's BAE Systems PLC, and Italy's Leonardo, are involved in this project.
GIGO, based in the UK and headed by a Japanese official, will oversee the aircraft's development. Mr. Nakatani said the first contract could be signed next year.
At a major aerospace exhibition in Tokyo last week, Mitsubishi Heavy, along with its British and Italian partners, displayed a 1:10 scale model of this joint fighter jet at the GCAP booth.
Akira Sugimoto, MHI's senior representative at GCAP, said that the joint development of the fighter jet would be significant for Japanese suppliers and the country's industrial base.
"Our fundamental view is to pool our capabilities to develop high-quality fighter jets. I believe that Japanese suppliers have superior technology, and I hope that as many suppliers as possible will participate in (GCAP)," Sugimoto said.
He added: "I think this will also help Japanese suppliers improve their equipment development capabilities and contribute to better prospects, a better business environment, and greater stability."
Ngoc Anh (according to AP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhat-ban-vuong-quoc-anh-va-y-quyet-tam-san-xuat-chien-dau-co-the-he-moi-post317739.html
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