According to Rishi Sunak, the UK, Italy, and Japan will work together to create a new artificial intelligence-powered fighter jet.
The joint venture, according to the prime minister, aims to increase security ties and generate thousands of jobs for the UK.
The nations will create a next-generation fighter that will eventually replace the Typhoon jet and is scheduled to go into service in the middle of the 2030s.
Japan Italy and the UK collaborate on a new fighter jet
The newest weapons are anticipated to be carried by the new Tempest jet.
When Mr. Sunak visited RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Friday, he stated that the collaboration would “keep the country safe from the new threats that we face.”
Also Read: Taliban stages first public execution since the takeover
“We’re one of the few nations in the world with the capacity to produce technologically cutting-edge fighter aircraft,” he claimed.
In order to create a combat aircraft with speed, stealth, cutting-edge sensors, and even artificial intelligence to support the human pilot when they are overwhelmed or under extreme stress, work on developing it has already begun.
It might also be able to fire hypersonic missiles and fly without a pilot’s input if necessary.
But because developing such a sophisticated aircraft is very expensive—creating the F35 jet was the Pentagon’s most costly project ever—Britain has been looking for partners.
Japan’s inclusion is significant given that Italy was already on board and that Britain is forging closer ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific region due to concerns about an assertive China.
Other nations could still sign up for the program. The United States, along with France, Germany, and Spain, are already collaborating on their own unique designs.
This agreement has economic as well as security implications for the UK. The creation and maintenance of thousands of jobs in the UK as well as increased arms exports are hoped to result from the development of a new fighter jet.
Mr. Sunak stated prior to the visit to RAF Coningsby that the security of the United Kingdom, both now and for future generations, will always be of the utmost importance to this government.
“As a result, we must continue to be on the cutting edge of developments in defense technology in order to outwit and outmaneuver those who would harm us.”
To emphasize that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is interdependent, we have announced an international partnership with Japan and Italy.
Also Read: Germany arrests 25 on suspicion of planning an armed coup
“By leveraging the power of our globally competitive defense industry, we will protect ourselves and our allies around the world, creating jobs while saving lives,” the company claims.
Labor’s shadow defense secretary, John Healey, stated that his party supported the partnership but issued a warning regarding training.
Ministers need to explain how this fits into their larger plans for the RAF’s future, including how they plan to avoid delays in fast-jet pilot training, the official said.
