The UK has awarded a 4.6 billion pounds sterling contract to Japan and Italy as part of the Global Combat Air Program to deliver a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035, according to a UK government statement on Friday.
The milestone follows the UK's confirmation of an 8.6 billion pounds investment over four years under its Defense Investment Plan, supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs and strengthening national security.
The advanced aircraft will incorporate AI, digital engineering, and autonomous systems to operate alongside Typhoons and F-35s, with the contract advancing design and testing phases through the joint venture Edgewing.
Beyond defense, the program seeks to continue supporting 4,500 jobs and a supply chain of roughly 600 organizations across the UK.