Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed with his British and Italian counterparts in Munich on Friday an agreement to accelerate joint development of a next-generation fighter jet, the government said. In the talks, they shared the view that security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions is inseparable.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi held separate talks on Friday in Munich with British Defense Secretary John Healey and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, confirming an agreement to speed up joint development of a next-generation fighter jet, according to the government.
The three nations are progressing a trilateral project to develop the aircraft by 2035. The Global Combat Air Programme was launched in 2022 as Japan and the European partners sought to bolster security ties amid China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
During the meetings, the ministers shared the perspective that security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic areas is interconnected and agreed to work closely to prevent any unilateral efforts to alter the status quo through force.
Koizumi also met with New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins, affirming steps to enhance cooperation on the exchange of defense supplies. This follows an agreement in December between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Collins to strengthen security collaboration, including the signing of an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement.
These discussions highlight ongoing international efforts to address regional security challenges through multilateral partnerships.
