Japan, UK reaffirm fighter-jet pact as June contract deadline nears
What’s next: The partners aim to sign the next GCAP contract by the end of June despite funding delays in Britain.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed support for their joint fighter-jet program during talks in London on June 14, seeking to steady the project as a key contract deadline approaches. The Global Combat Air Programme, also involving Italy, aims to develop a next-generation fighter by 2035. The British government said the leaders were expected to discuss launching the next phase through an international contract due to be signed in June. The project has faced uncertainty after delays to Britain’s financial contribution and the June 11 resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey, a backer of the effort. Italy approved a $10.7 billion funding plan in February, while Japan has already budgeted more than ¥500 billion over five years and set aside another ¥170 billion for the current fiscal year.