great Britain, ItalyAnd Japan announced on Friday (12/9/2022) the formalization of an international coalition to develop a next-generation fighter that should be operational in 2035.
In a joint statement, the three countries underscored the relevance of the agreement, dubbed the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), at a time when “threats and aggression are increasing.”
The initiative presupposes in practice the merging of the Japanese FX program, led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and the Anglo-Italian Tempest, in which British aerospace BAE Systems and Italian Leonardo participate.
The merger “will accelerate our advanced military capabilities and technological advantages, enabling us to deepen our defense cooperation, as well as scientific and technological collaboration,” said the London, Rome and Tokyo note.
The new fighter design will ensure “interoperability” with the military systems of the United States, NATO and other allies of the three participating nations in Europe, the Indo-Pacific region and the rest of the world.
The three governments expressed their willingness to work together “in the spirit of equality”, sharing the benefits of working together while enhancing their “sovereign capacity”.
The first step of the program is to agree on a new fighter “core concept” and prepare the necessary structures to start the development phase in 2024.
During 2023, the UK, Italy and Japan will have to cover the estimated costs for the project, agree on the economic contribution of each capital city and reflect the plan in their national budgets.
gs (efe, afp)
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