UK, Italy and Japan team up to build next-generation fighter jet

UK, Italy and Japan team up to build new fighter jet

A collaboration between the UK, Italy and Japan to develop a new fighter jet that uses artificial intelligence, is to be announced by PM Rishi Sunak. 

The collaboration will aim to create thousands of UK jobs and strengthen security ties. 

The three countries will work together to develop the new jet which would likely enter service in the mid-2030s. The fighter will eventually replace the Typhoon jet.  

Next-generation Tempest jet

Work has already begun on the new jet, which aims to provide speed stealth, use advanced sensors and even AI to assist the human pilot when they are overwhelmed or under extreme stress. 

The jet could also be flown without a pilot’s input and could be able to fire hypersonic missiles.

Building the new jet is expensive so Britain had been looking for partners. Italy was already on board, but the addition of Japan is significant. Britain is looking to build closer ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific region. 

“Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and intensifying Chinese military activity around Japan and Taiwan, the agreement may help Japan counter the growing military might of its bigger neighbour and give Britain a bigger security role in a region that is a key driver of global economic growth,” writes Rueters.

”Cutting edge of advancements in defence technology’

PM Rishi Sunak will launch the first major phase of the programme on Friday. 

Ahead of the visit, he said: “The security of the United Kingdom, both today and for future generations, will always be of paramount importance to this government.

“That’s why we need to stay at the cutting edge of advancements in defence technology – outpacing and out-manoeuvring those who seek to do us harm.

“The international partnership we have announced today with Italy and Japan aims to do just that, underlining that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are indivisible.

“The next generation of combat aircraft we design will protect us and our allies around the world by harnessing the strength of our world-beating defence industry – creating jobs while saving lives.”

John Healey, Labour’s shadow defence secretary, said his party backed the partnership but warned about training.

“Ministers must make clear how this fits with wider plans for the RAF’s future, including how they will prevent delays in fast-jet pilot training,” he said.