New combat jet to exceed F-35 capabilities: Britain, Italy and Japan are joining forces to build a next-generation fighter jet that can use artificial intelligence amid heightened security concerns in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. It marks Japan’s first major industrial defence collaboration beyond the US since World War Two. The climax to months of talks aims to put an advanced frontline fighter and pack of drones and sensors into operation by 2035 by combining the British-led Future Combat Air System, known as Tempest, with Japan’s F-X in a venture called the Global Combat Air Programme. Japan said the new fighter jet aimed to exceed the capabilities of existing models like F-35. The project is the latest high-profile example of allied countries collaborating on an ad-hoc basis to develop defence equipment. Such moves proved controversial last year, however, when the US snatched a lucrative contract to supply Australia with submarines from under French noses. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R; Senior Associate Editor]
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