Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Produce Next-Generation Fighter Jets for Japan, the UK, and Italy
Reference News Network reported on July 28 According to Kyodo News on July 25, the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) jointly promoted by Japan, the UK, and Italy has made progress, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Komaki South Plant in Aichi Prefecture set to become Japan's production base, playing a core role in the assembly of the next-generation fighter jet's fuselage. Multiple informed sources have confirmed this news.
It is reported that the Komaki South Plant previously assembled the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's main fighter jet, the F-35A, accumulating relevant technology and experience. Currently, all parties are negotiating the division of labor for the design and manufacturing of the next-generation fighter jet.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced in February 2023 that it would withdraw from the development of Japan's first domestically produced jet airliner and position the development of the next-generation fighter jet as a key business.
British engineers have begun to enter the Komaki South Plant to participate in the design of the fighter jet and other related work.
The report points out that Japan, the UK, and Italy will each establish a research and development base for the next-generation fighter jet, with Japan's base expected to be operational within this year. The UK's R&D base will be located in the central city of Warton, and Italy's base will be in Turin.
It is reported that the three countries aim to deploy the first next-generation fighter jet by 2035. The aircraft will feature excellent stealth capabilities and be equipped with powerful radar for collecting vast amounts of data, which will then be analyzed through artificial intelligence. In Japan, this fighter jet will replace the Air Self-Defense Force's F-2 fighter jet, which is expected to begin retirement around 2035.
On the 21st, Canada announced that it would participate in the project as an observer. Japan, the UK, and Italy will share confidential information with Canada to some extent. This move aims to expand export markets and reduce R&D costs. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will serve as the production base for the next-generation fighter jet in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, collaborating with UK and Italian engineers. The project aims for deployment of the first aircraft by 2035, replacing Japan's F-2 fighter jet. Canada will also participate as an observer, sharing some confidential information with the involved nations.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will be the production base for the next-generation fighter jet in Japan.
- The project involves collaboration between Japan, the UK, and Italy.
- The first aircraft is expected to be deployed by 2035.
- The aircraft will replace Japan's F-2 fighter jet, which is set to retire around 2035.
- Canada will participate as an observer and share some confidential information.