LONDON — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praised growing defence cooperation with Britain on June 14 during talks in London with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while both leaders acknowledged uncertainty around the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to build a next-generation fighter jet by 2035. Takaichi said ties had deepened to a “near-alliance” level and expressed hope of elevating the partnership further.
Starmer said the pair reaffirmed their commitment to GCAP as they prepare to sign an international contract to move the project into its next phase later this month, though details on funding and contract length remain unclear. The programme has faced setbacks, including delays to Britain’s expected financial contribution and the June 11 resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey, a key backer of the effort.
Japan has steadily funded GCAP, allocating over ¥500 billion through March and a further ¥170 billion for the current fiscal year, while Italy’s parliament approved roughly US$10.7 billion in February. Britain was due to announce multi‑billion-pound backing in late 2025 but postponed the pledge amid a spending dispute between the Defence Ministry and Treasury.
Beyond the fighter project, Starmer and Takaichi discussed broader strategic and economic cooperation, including plans to deepen collaboration on artificial intelligence, energy, and dual‑use technologies. Starmer is pursuing up to £9 billion in investment for the UK’s offshore wind sector and the leaders agreed to create a council to steer Japanese investment into British research in areas such as AI, quantum computing, civil nuclear and defence. Takaichi emphasized that, as maritime nations, Japan and the UK share linked regional security interests and a joint determination to contribute to international peace and stability.