UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said in an interview in Tokyo that defense cooperation with Japan has “extraordinary potential”. Reynolds emphasized that the next-generation fighter jet project, in which the UK, Japan and Italy are working together, has reached an important stage.
Saying that the Global Air Combat Program, which aims to develop a fighter jet by 2035, is a very “complex” project, Reynolds said, “The potential for industrial cooperation across all defense sectors is obvious.” Scheduled to be agreed by the end of 2022, the project includes major manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan, BAE Systems Plc of the UK and Leonardo SpA of Italy. The project is expected to integrate artificial intelligence and drone technologies. Reynolds, who took office as business and trade minister in British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet last July, said, “I see the areas of defense and security in particular as the focus of cooperation between the two countries. I believe these areas offer great opportunities in the future.” Reynolds visited Tokyo to attend the first meeting of the economic version of the “two plus two” dialogue between Japan and the UK. The meeting was attended by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto.
