Japan, the UK, and Italy Officially Launch Next-Generation Fighter Jet Development

According to a report by Reference News Network on April 5, Kyodo News reported on April 2 that the Global Combat Air Program (GIGO), an international governmental organization established by Japan, the UK, and Italy to collaborate on the development of the next-generation fighter jet, announced on the 2nd that it has awarded a contract worth £686 million to the Tempest company.

This work contract for the Global Combat Air Program, awarded on the 1st, marks the official start of the aircraft's development phase. The contract was originally expected to be awarded by the end of December last year.

Tempest is a joint venture established by Japan's Aircraft Industry Revitalization Company, the UK's BAE Systems, and Italy's Leonardo. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries holds a partial stake in the aforementioned Japanese company.

A person familiar with the project revealed that the contract is valid until the end of June, and negotiations for renewal are ongoing.

British media reported that uncertainties in the UK defense budget have led to delays in the contract.

Nevertheless, Japan seems eager to maintain the goal of delivering the first aircraft by 2035.

This fighter jet is expected to feature stealth capabilities to evade enemy radar detection, as well as the ability to collect vast amounts of data through its onboard radar and analyze it using artificial intelligence. (Translated by Qiu Fang)