UK & Japan reconfirm plans to build new jet fighter
In a recent call on 6th July, the PMs of Japan and the UK, Fumio Kishida and Keir Starmer reaffirmed their commitment towards the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The Japanese leader began by congratulating Starmer on his election win and emphasised the importance of the relationship between the two nations.
“The partnership between Japan and the UK, sharing values and principles, has never been closer and more robust,” he said. Kishida also thanked the UK for the warm welcome received by the Emperor and Empress of Japan during their visit earlier this year.
Sir Kerir Starmer echoed the sentiments as he expressed honour at meeting the Japanese royals, and expressed his eagerness to form even closer ties with the east Asian country. “It was an honour to be given the opportunity to exchange greetings with Their Majesties,” Starmer said.
The two leaders both agreed that the security of both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is connected and that an ongoing need for cooperation was important. “The security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable and affirmed their close collaboration,” the call summary mentioned.
One key topic of discussion was the GCAP. This is a joint effort between the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop the next generation of stealth fighter jet plans. The initiative will aim to replace the existing Eurofighter Typhoon (pictured) and Mitsubishi F-2. “The two leaders also affirmed to continue to promote cooperation between the two countries including the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP),” the summary noted.
GCAP will involve as many as 9,000 people and over 1,000 suppliers around the world, 600 of which are in the UK while 400 between both Italy and Japan. The discussion also turned towards global issues including conflicts in the Middle East and East Asia as well as in Ukraine. Both Starmer and Kishida reaffirmed their dedication to work together within the G7 and other global platforms to tackle these issues.
