NHK: Japan and Britain may start cooperation on the development of a fighter

Tokyo. File photoTOKYO, May 17Japan and the UK may reach an agreement by the end of the year to cooperate on the development of a new generation fighter aircraft to replace the F-2 aircraft used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, NHK reports. According to the channel, the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which is engaged in the main development, may enter into negotiations on assistance with the British BAE Systems. In addition, American Lockheed Martin is expected to provide technical assistance in the project. The channel notes that the topic of cooperation in the development of a new fighter was touched upon during a recent meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his British counterpart Boris Johnson. In January, Japan and the UK began developing a demonstrator jet engines. The British side has invested the first £30 million in planning, digital and innovative manufacturing developments. Another £200 million of British funding is expected to go towards the development of a full-scale demonstration power system that will employ hundreds of highly skilled workers, including those at the Rolls-Royce Bristol plant. F-2 aircraft by 2035. The creation of the first prototype is scheduled for 2024, and the first flight tests — for 2028. The total cost is estimated at 1.5 trillion yen ($11.61 billion). Times