Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says Japan-UK defense cooperation is deepening, while acknowledging uncertainty surrounding Japan’s next fighter jet program. Takaichi made the comments during a meeting in London with British counterpart Keir Starmer on Sunday, according to multiple outlets. She describes the UK as an important partner for Japan, pointing to expanding cooperation across areas including security and defense. The sources also link the momentum in ties to Japan’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint effort associated with developing next-generation fighter aircraft. Takaichi characterizes Japan and the UK’s relationship as reaching a level that can be described as close to an alliance, referencing the GCAP project. At the same time, all accounts note that spending and program details for a new jet are uncertain. The meeting therefore focuses on cooperation and partnership while leaving open how quickly or in what form new aircraft procurement will proceed.