The United Kingdom, Italy and Japan announced on Friday they would jointly build a next-generation fighter jet in a project that held scope for future partnership with allies including the United States.

By 2035, the new her, which is expected to be completed is anticipated to combine International research into cutting-edge air warfare technologies, from stealth capability to high-tech sensors.

British, Japanese and Italian in a joint statement said, “We are announcing the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) — an ambitious endeavour to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035, adding that the new fighter jet is needed because “threats and aggression are increasing” against the “rules-based, free and open international order.”

“Defending our democracy, economy and security, and protecting regional stability, are ever more important,” the leaders said.

In a separate statement, the British government said development of the new warplane is expected to begin in 2024, and it is expected to be flying by 2035.

“It will showcase technologies from each of the three partners, the British statement said.

“The ambition is for this to be a next-generation jet enhanced by a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft, advanced sensors, cutting-edge weapons and innovative data systems,” it added.

AFP