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Japan extends next-gen fighter jet contract with UK through 2027

Japan, UK and Italy to extend next-gen fighter jet contract through 2027Japan’s trilateral fighter jet program locked in following U.K. funding commitment

Japan, the UK, and Italy extended their joint contract for developing a sixth-generation fighter jet to the end of 2027 after the British government delayed a defense spending plan.

This agreement secures the future of the trilateral program following the UK's commitment of 6 billion in funding alongside its partners.

  • The Global Combat Air Programme aims to replace the UK's F-35 jets, Japan's F-2s, and Italy's F-35s with a single, advanced airframe.
  • Japan previously co-developed the F-2 fighter with the US before launching this independent sixth-generation initiative with European allies.
  • The UK's investment in this program represents one of its largest post-war defense collaborations outside of the European Union.