**Tokyo**: BAE Systems is seeking to enhance its partnership with Japanese defence firms for the joint development of drones, aimed at supporting the Global Combat Air Programme. The discussions arise amidst evolving global security dynamics and Japan’s plans to boost defence spending significantly.
BAE Systems, the UK’s largest defence contractor, is actively seeking to enhance cooperation with Japanese defence firms, focusing on the potential joint development of drones that could accompany a next-generation fighter jet, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which is being developed in collaboration with Italy. This initiative was outlined by Rob Merryweather, the group technology director of BAE Systems, during a media briefing held in Tokyo earlier this week.
The push for increased collaboration emerges in a context of shifting global security dynamics, particularly following US President Donald Trump’s recent assertions that threaten the stability of long-standing international alliances. Merryweather emphasised the importance of integrating low-cost drones into the GCAP, underscoring that “all of the nations who are engaged in GCAP have the same need for these autonomous collaborative programmes to work alongside that aircraft.” While he noted that discussions with Japanese counterparts are still in preliminary stages, he conveyed that BAE Systems is indeed interested in working with international partners.
Despite the lack of specific details regarding Italy’s role in drone development, Merryweather noted that harmonising the capabilities of the drones with the fighter jet will be crucial for achieving both affordability and operational success within the GCAP’s framework. Although the final financial outline for the fighter has not been established, he estimated that the drones intended for use alongside the aircraft would be significantly less expensive, costing approximately a tenth of the overall GCAP budget. The UK has so far committed over £2 billion to the programme.
The ongoing GCAP initiative, which is not presently focused on drone development, aims to create a fighter jet compatible with advanced communication systems, enabling seamless integration with unmanned aerial vehicles. Merryweather specifically mentioned ambitions for these drones to perform high-risk manoeuvres to neutralise air defence systems before the deployment of the more costly fighter jets into combat scenarios.
The joint venture for the fighter jet development, established in December between BAE, Italy’s Leonardo, and a consortium led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is targeting a maiden flight of the jet by 2035. The urgency of the programme has been amplified by recent events, including Europe’s enhanced focus on security prompted by Trump’s efforts to conclude Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Additionally, the Future Combat Air System, a competing project developed by Airbus and France’s Dassault Aviation, has prompted calls for increased collaboration due to financial pressures and the necessity of streamlining Europe’s defence market. Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury pointed out the mutual areas of interest, such as drones and sensors, where cooperation could benefit both programmes.
In terms of regional developments, Japan is anticipated to increase its security spending to 2 per cent of its GDP, up from the current 1.6 per cent, amid concerns regarding the reliability of its treaty with the United States, particularly following Trump’s recent comments on the matter. Following this realignment of defence priorities, Japanese defence stocks experienced a notable increase, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries reporting a 25 per cent rise in share value after unveiling new concepts for military drones that could be integrated into the GCAP. The collaboration discussions also include the potential involvement of Saudi Arabia, which could contribute funding and procurement orders, although there is hesitance in Japan regarding Saudi Arabia’s participation.
In another facet of UK-Japan defence relations, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces recently contracted BMT, a UK-based firm, to design a next-generation landing craft that will be constructed by Japan Marine United, further solidifying the defence partnership between the two nations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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