STORY
The Government has announced a £4.6 billion contract with Italy and Japan to support development of a next generation combat aircraft. Ministers said the agreement marked a major step in the trilateral programme to bring a sixth generation fighter jet into service from 2035.
The contract forms part of the Global Combat Air Programme and follows the Government’s Defence Investment Plan. The UK has said it will invest £8.6 billion in the programme over four years, with ministers linking the project to national security, industrial capacity and highly skilled jobs.
The programme is designed to replace the Typhoon and strengthen co operation with key defence partners. The Government said the contract would support British industry and help maintain the UK’s role in advanced combat air technology.