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Investing.com -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday as uncertainty continues over the future funding of their joint fighter jet program with Italy, according to a Bloomberg report.
The talks come as the three countries continue work on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), an initiative to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.
The project has faced questions in recent months after delays to Britain’s long-term defense investment plan left funding commitments unclear.
The UK had been expected to outline billions of pounds in spending for the program as part of a broader defense strategy. That announcement was delayed amid disagreements over government spending priorities and was pushed back further following the recent departure of Defense Secretary John Healey.
The UK government said on Saturday it remains committed to the fighter jet project but did not provide updated funding details.
Japan has already allocated substantial resources to the program.
According to the report, Japan spent more than ¥500 billion on the initiative during the five years through March and has earmarked an additional ¥170 billion for the current fiscal year.
Italy’s parliament also approved a funding package worth approximately $10.7 billion earlier this year.
The fighter jet program is viewed as a strategic priority for Japan as it prepares to replace its aging F-2 fighter fleet beginning in 2035.
Beyond defense cooperation, Starmer and Takaichi are expected to discuss broader economic and technology partnerships.
The two leaders are set to review plans for a new council aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation between the UK and Japan.
Areas of focus are expected to include artificial intelligence, drones, semiconductors, quantum technology, supply chain resilience, and offshore wind energy.
According to Japanese media reports, the countries are also expected to announce a new fund to support startups developing dual-use technologies with both commercial and defense applications.
The meeting takes place ahead of the Group of Seven summit in France, where geopolitical developments, economic security, and technology cooperation are expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
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