Japan's Prime Minister has pledged to accelerate the timeline for the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet with Italy and the United Kingdom. The announcement comes as Japan deepens defense cooperation with Western allies to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The project, known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), is a trilateral collaboration among Japan, Italy, and the UK. Under the current plan, the aircraft is expected to enter service by 2035. The Japanese leader stressed that speeding up the timeline is necessary to maintain technological advantages and ensure defense capabilities against growing threats.
The commitment follows high-level discussions among the three nations' leaders, who agreed to enhance technology and resource sharing. Japan will play a key role in developing advanced electronics and weapons systems for the project.
Analysts say accelerating the program not only bolsters Japan's defense capabilities but also strengthens strategic partnerships with European nations amid increasingly complex geopolitical competition in the region.
