Japan agree tech partnership and vow fighter jet progress

London, June 14 — The British and Japanese leaders announced a tech partnership designed to boost national security and create jobs, while pledging to speed up the progress of their next generation fighter jet, GCAP. GCAP is a joint venture involving BAE Systems of Britain, Leonardo of Italy and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, backed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. In addition to the security and aviation commitments, officials unveiled about £18 billion of announcements across infrastructure, financial services and wind power. Starmer said the accords will bring multi‑billion-pound investment to the UK and create tens of thousands of jobs, underscoring a high-stakes level of cooperation between the two nations.

Takaichi stressed the security alliance would serve as the foundation of the relationship, and both sides outlined plans for further accelerating GCAP through an expanded international contract by the end of the month. The agreements also encompass export deals for major British and Japanese companies such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and NEC, and include collaborative projects in AI, space, quantum computing and cybersecurity. The event featured business leaders and signaled a broader agenda to strengthen defense and advanced-technology cooperation in the years ahead.