JAPAN, Britain and Italy are preparing to create an observer framework for countries interested in buying the next-generation fighter jet that the three countries have been jointly developing, a move aimed at boosting exports and reducing development costs, sources familiar with the plan said Monday.
The framework would allow selected countries to receive updates on the Global Combat Air Programme without formally joining the development project. The partners hope it will encourage purchases and strengthen defence ties among like-minded nations. Defence ministers from the three countries are expected to discuss the proposal in Britain in late July, with Canada likely to become the first observer, the sources said.
The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow in southern England. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is set to meet British Defence Secretary John Healey and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, while officials are also arranging talks involving Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty.
Observer countries would receive information on the fighter’s capabilities and development progress under strict confidentiality rules, according to the sources. The framework could later expand to industrial cooperation, including parts production. Aside from Canada, Australia, India, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Sweden are among the other countries also interested in the GCAP aircraft.
Kyodo
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