(CLO) The defense ministers of Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy have agreed to accelerate the joint development of next-generation fighter jets, and announced the establishment of a joint agency to work with aircraft manufacturers.
From 2022, the three countries have agreed to jointly produce a new fighter aircraft, ready for deployment by 2035, under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), to enhance cooperation in the face of evolving threats.
On October 20, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, after a meeting with his British and Italian counterparts, John Healey and Guido Crosetto, said a joint body called the GCAP International Governmental Organization (GIGO) will be established later this year to oversee the aircraft's development.
The next-generation stealth fighter will replace Japan's retiring F-2s, which it co-developed with the United States, as well as the Eurofighter Typhoon, jointly produced by the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany.
1:10 scale model of the next-generation fighter jet. Photo: AP
Several private companies, including Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy, Britain's BAE Systems PLC and Italy's Leonardo, are involved in the project.
GIGO, which is based in the UK and headed by a Japanese official, will oversee the development of the aircraft. Mr Nakatani said the first contracts could be signed next year.
At a major aerospace exhibition in Tokyo last week, Mitsubishi Heavy and its British and Italian partners displayed a 1:10 scale model of the joint fighter jet at the GCAP booth.
Akira Sugimoto, MHI's senior representative at GCAP, said developing a joint fighter would make sense for Japanese suppliers and the country's industrial base.
"Our basic view is to pool our capabilities to develop high-quality fighter jets. I believe Japanese suppliers have superior technology and I hope as many suppliers as possible will participate in (GCAP)," Sugimoto said.
“I think this will also help Japanese suppliers improve their equipment development capabilities and contribute to better prospects, business environment and stability,” he added.
Ngoc Anh (according to AP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhat-ban-vuong-quoc-anh-va-y-quyet-tam-san-xuat-chien-dau-co-the-he-moi-post317739.html
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