The British, Japanese and Italians join forces to strengthen their defences. The three countries are combining their next-generation jet fighter projects in a ground-breaking partnership involving Europe and Asia. We can thus speak of Japan's first major industrial defence cooperation outside the United States since the Second World War. The landmark deal is being covered by the most well-known news agencies and many news outlets, including on Twitter.
The countries have committed to fielding an advanced frontline fighter by 2035 by combining the UK's Future Combat Air System project, also known as Tempest, with Japan's F-X programme in a venture called the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
The reason for this kind of unusual collaboration is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increased Chinese military activity around Japan and Taiwan. The agreement will thus help counter possible attacks on the states and plays an important security role.
The project will be led by Britain's BAE Systems PLC, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Italy's Leonardo. In addition, European missile maker MBDA and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. will collaborate on the defence project. Rolls-Royce PLC , IHI Corp and Avio Aero will work on the engine. Shares in British firm BAE Systems gained about 1.8% this week in response to the news.
BAE Systems PLC's performance over the past 5 years. (Source: Investing) *
*Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
