The governments of Italy, the United
Kingdom and Japan said Friday that they have agreed to join
forces "to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035".
"As leaders of Italy, Japan and the UK, we are committed to
upholding the rules-based, free and open international order,
which is more important than ever at a time when these
principles are contested, and threats and aggression are
increasing," read a joint statement.
"Since defending our democracy, economy and security, and
protecting regional stability is ever more important, we need
strong defence and security partnerships, underpinned and
reinforced by a credible deterrent capability.
Our three nations have longstanding, close relationships based
on the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule
of law. Today, we are taking the next step in our deepening
trilateral partnership. We are announcing the Global Combat Air
Programme (GCAP) - an ambitious endeavour to develop a
next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.
"Through GCAP, we will build on our longstanding defence
relationships. GCAP will accelerate our advanced military
capability and technological advantage. It will deepen our
defence co-operation, science and technology collaboration,
integrated supply chains, and further strengthen our defence
industrial base.
"This programme will deliver wider economic and industrial
benefits, supporting jobs and livelihoods across Italy, Japan
and the UK. It will attract investment in research and
development into digital design and advanced manufacture
processes.
"It will provide opportunities for our next generation of highly
skilled engineers and technicians.
"By working together in a spirit of equal partnership, we are
sharing the costs and the benefits of this investment in our
people and technologies. Importantly, the programme will
support the sovereign capability of all three countries to
design, deliver and upgrade cutting-edge combat air
capabilities, well into the future.
This programme has been designed with our Allies and partners at
its very heart. Future inter-operability with the United
States, with NATO and with our partners across Europe, the
Indo-Pacific and globally - is reflected in the name we have
chosen for our programme.
"This concept will be at the centre of its development. We
share ambition for this aircraft to be the centrepiece of a
wider combat air system that will function across multiple
domains.
"Our hope is that the Global Combat Air Programme, and through
it our capability partnership, will be a cornerstone of global
security, stability and prosperity in the coming decades".
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