UK actively pursues FCAS subsystem partnership with Japan
The UK could be set to secure a subsystems partnership with Japan as it explores new FCAS industrial opportunities. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
New international partners could be added to the UK's FCAS effort, as plans to secure a subsystems partnership with Japan are revealed.
The UK MoD has given a clear hint that it wants to expand Future Combat Air System (FCAS) industrial base partnerships with international partners, confirming in the newly released Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) that ‘subsystem co-operation opportunities’ are being explored with Japan.
Should a partnership be secured, Japan would join Sweden and Italy as part of the UK-led effort, which is primarily designed to replace the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon fleet from 2035.
The DSIS does not indicate which subsystems Japan could manufacture or support specifically, but options on offer look to be somewhat limited because a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
