Japan, UK, Italy building next-gen fighter jet

TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan, Britain and Italy said Friday they will jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet in a project that holds scope for future cooperation with allies including the United States.

The new jet, to be ready by 2035, is expected to merge the nations' current research into cutting-edge air combat technology, from stealth capacity to high-tech sensors.

In a joint statement, the three countries said the "ambitious endeavor" would "accelerate our advanced military capability and technological advantage" at a time when "threats and aggression are increasing" worldwide.

Their announcement was accompanied by a set of images showing an artist's impression of the sleek new jets flying past Mount Fuji and over London and Rome.

They did not give a cost estimate, but the three countries are already pouring billions of dollars into high-tech fighter jet development, efforts that will come together under the joint project, called the Global Combat Air Program.

"We share (an) ambition for this aircraft to be the centerpiece of a wider combat air system that will function across multiple domains," the statement said.

That includes "future interoperability with the United States, with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and with our partners" in Europe, Asia and worldwide, it explained.

A Japanese defense ministry official said the new fighter jet aimed to exceed the capabilities of existing models like the US' F-35.

Japan's Nikkei business daily said that companies Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems and Leonardo would oversee the new project, which is Tokyo's second joint development after its SM-3 missile made with Washington.