The UK will partner with Italy and Japan to develop the Tempest fighter jet which will eventually replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in the Royal Air Force.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak announced the collaboration today saying that the deal will create thousands of UK jobs.
The Tempest, first announced in 2018 is a 6th generation fighter jet that will extensively use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and carry the latest weapons when it enters service in 2035.
It is expected that the aircraft will be able to fly remotely in addition to pilot control and be able to carry hypersonic missiles.
Making the announcement at RAF Coningsby Rishi Sunak said that the UK was “one of the few countries in the world that has the capability to build technologically advanced fighter aircraft.”
He added: “The security of the United Kingdom, both today and for future generations, will always be of paramount importance to this government.
“That’s why we need to stay at the cutting-edge of advancements in defence technology – outpacing and out-manoeuvring those who seek to do us harm.
“The international partnership we have announced today with Italy and Japan aims to do just that, underlining that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are indivisible.
“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.”
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