Starmer, Takaichi to discuss fighter jet project as UK funding questions persist

Britain and Japan hold talks on their shared fighter jet project as UK funding questions persist, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of the Group of Seven summit. GCAP aims to deliver a next-generation fighter by 2035, but funding commitments in Britain remain unclear after delays to the defence investment plan and the departure of Defence Secretary John Healey. The UK government says it remains committed to the programme but did not provide updated funding figures; Japan has already allocated substantial resources, spending more than ¥500 billion over the past five years and earmarking a further ¥170 billion for the current year. Italy's parliament approved a roughly $10.7 billion funding package earlier this year.

Beyond defence, the leaders are expected to discuss broader economic and technology partnerships, including artificial intelligence, drones, semiconductors, quantum technology, supply-chain resilience and offshore wind energy. Plans for a new industrial cooperation council and a potential fund to support dual‑use startups are anticipated, with the discussions framed ahead of the G7 meeting in France where geopolitical developments and technology cooperation will be prominent.