Britain and Japan pledged on Sunday to accelerate progress on the Global Combat Air Programme, the next-generation fighter jet project at the centre of their defence cooperation. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London alongside business leaders to discuss deeper cooperation in technology, green energy and defence.
The two leaders announced a technology partnership designed to strengthen national security and create jobs. The announcements also covered infrastructure, financial services and wind power projects totalling 18 billion pounds.
Takaichi said close security ties were a foundation of the relationship between the two countries. “We concluded to further accelerate the progress of the Global Combat Air Program GCAP, which is the cornerstone of our security cooperation,” she said through a translator.
GCAP is intended to develop a next-generation fighter through a joint venture involving Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement. The Japanese entity is backed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Starmer’s government had said the two leaders would confirm their shared commitment to the project. They were also expected to discuss the launch of its next phase, with an international contract due to be signed by the end of the month.
The commitment comes as Starmer’s government is involved in a dispute over the need to increase defence spending. Starmer could also face a leadership challenge in the coming months.
The wider partnership includes projects aimed at cooperation in artificial intelligence, space, quantum computing and cybersecurity. It also includes export deals for certain companies, manufacturing partnerships and research projects involving major British and Japanese firms.
The companies named in the partnership include Rolls-Royce, BAE and NEC Corporation. The projects are intended to support industrial cooperation between the two countries in advanced technologies and security-related sectors.
“These landmark agreements will bring multi-billion pound investment into the UK, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and driving new developments,” Starmer said.
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