UK to work with Italy and Japan to build next-gen fighter jets

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The next-generation of combat aircraft we design will protect us and our allies around the world by harnessing the strength of our world-beating defence industry Rishi Sunak The ambition is for the planes developed under the global combat air programme to be enhanced by capabilities including uncrewed aircraft, advanced sensors and cutting-edge weapons. “The next-generation of combat aircraft we design will protect us and our allies around the world by harnessing the strength of our world-beating defence industry – creating jobs while saving lives.” The jet is expected to be able to fly faster than the speed of sound, and have the capability of firing hypersonic weapons in the future. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “This international partnership with Italy and Japan to create and design the next-generation of combat aircraft, represents the best collaboration of cutting edge defence technology and expertise shared across our nations, providing highly skilled jobs across the sector and long-term security for Britain and our allies.” The partnership merges the UK and Italy’s future combat air system projects with the Japanese F-X programme.