Japan to handle stealth tech for fighter developed with U.K. and Italy

Partners envision 2035 deployment of the next-generation aircraft

20250115N next-gen fighter

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, center, toured a BAE Systems plant in central England this week. © Kyodo

SHINNOSUKE NAGATOMI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan will lead the design of the airframe of a next-generation fighter jet being developed with the U.K. and Italy, contributing know-how in composite materials to help improve stealth performance.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani met with his U.K. and Italian counterparts in London on Wednesday, stressing the importance of the project and security in the Indo-Pacific.

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