Italy, Japan, UK to develop next-generation fighter

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 9 - 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".
    (ANSA).