Japan, UK and Italy speed up work on joint project to next-generation fighter, reports the Associated Press. The three countries announced that by the end of this year, a tripartite government organization will be established to work with the plane's manufacturers, BTA quoted.
In 2022, the three countries agreed to jointly produce a new fighter jet, which is expected to be ready for deployment in 2035. The effort aims to boost cooperation amid growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea. The next-generation fighter will replace the aging Japanese F-2, which Japan developed jointly with the United States, as well as the British "Tempest".
On Sunday, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, after a meeting with his colleagues from Great Britain and Italy — John Healy and Guido Crosetto, announced that by the end of this year a joint body called the International Governmental Organization would be established to oversee the development of the aircraft. The ministers met on the sidelines of the G7 defense ministers' meeting in Naples, Italy. Several companies from the private sector also participate in the project, including the Japanese "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries", the British "BAE Systems" and the Italian "Leonardo".
The organization that will be created in connection with the project will be based in the UK and will be led by a Japanese person.