Japan, the UK and Italy are discussing using a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) factory in Japan as the main site for the development and assembly of a next-generation fighter jet, according to sources familiar with the talks reported by multiple outlets. The aircraft is being pursued under the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme involving the three countries’ defence industries.
The discussions focus on how responsibilities will be divided across the partner nations for design and production. The UK is expected to establish its work centre in Warton, while Italy is expected to set up its centre in Turin. In this arrangement, the Japanese centre would be based at an MHI facility and would take on the role of development and assembly.
The reports describe these locations as part of ongoing planning and role assignment, reflecting negotiations on industrial participation. Details on timing, specific workshare proportions, and the final contractual or government approval status are not provided in the excerpts, which emphasize the factories being considered and the structure of the industrial centres.
