UK-Japan-Italy fighter plans Japan design center with '1,000' staff

· Security · Japan · United Kingdom

The UK-Japan-Italy joint fighter program plans a Japan design center with about "1,000" staff, according to Nikkei Asia. Separately, French defense contractor Thales will open a maintenance base in Japan. The two developments point to deepening defense industrial ties between Japan and its partners as Tokyo expands its military capabilities. The trinational fighter project, known as the Global Combat Air Programme, involves the UK, Japan and Italy, and the planned design center would place a significant portion of development work in Japan.

Why it matters：Placing fighter development work in Japan deepens defense industrial cooperation among the UK, Japan and Italy as they pursue a next-generation combat aircraft.

Key points

  • The joint fighter program plans a Japan design center with about 1,000 staff.
  • The program involves the UK, Japan and Italy.
  • Thales will open a maintenance base in Japan.

Sources (original reporting)

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