Britain and Japan are collaborating on creating Jet engine demonstrator capable of powering both countries respective sixth-generation warplanes.
A statement released by the Defence Minister of British, the two governments have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow them to collaborate on the engine demonstrator and maybe other, as yet unidentified areas of technology, according to a statement released by the British Ministry of Defence on December 22.
The engine development work was given to IHI and Rolls-Royce, following a collaborative engine viability assessment that has been ongoing for some time. The project is formally expected to begin early next year.
The Japanese government talked with the British government about fighter aircraft cooperation. In July, it declared that it was interested in working together on power plant development.
London and Tokyo both have sixth-generation combat jet programes underway simultaneously as Britain and Japan have, aircraft delivery in the mid-2030s.
Beginning in 2035, Japan’s envisioned fighter, codenamed F-X, will replace 90 Mitsubishi F-2s now in service with the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.
IHI is Japan’s leading aviation engine producer, accounting for 60-70 percent of the country’s aircraft engine market, according to the company.
This is the first manufacturer and contractor company for aircraft engines used by the Ministry of defence and is the manufacturer of machines for the Japan Air Self Defence Force’s Kawasaki P-1 and T-4 jet trainer.
The Firm XF-9 the XF5 turbofan that propelled Japan’s X-2 ShinShin fighter technology demonstrator, which flew a series of test flights between 2016 and 2018.
Meanwhile, BAE Systems, alongside MBDA UK, Leonardo UK, and Rolls-Royce, are leading the U.K. Future Combat Air System program, also called Tempest.
Italy and Sweden are also partners in the program, signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding with the British will collaborate with combat air systems and technology.
The F-X fighter is being developed in Japan, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries leading the way in terms of manufacturing, with Lockheed Martin providing support.
“We’re investing initially 30 million or 40 million pounds in the engine, with the money going towards planning, digitalisation, and innovative manufacturing developments,” said the British MOD.
According to the MoD of British, another 200 million pounds ($267 million) of U.K. funds will be used to develop a full-scale prototype power system.
In a statement with British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the deal in combat air technologies and the engine was proof from the government to pivot its defence, security and trade effort to the Indo-Pacific region strengtheningn our Indo-Pacific alliances is a strategic goal for us, and this pledge with japan, one of our closet security partners in Asia, is an excellent illustration of that”.
In the UK, this work will be undertaken by the team Tempest industry partners: BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK and Rolls-Royce.
In the development of Japan of Tokyo’s Joint New Air-to-Air Missile (JNAAM) program has been taking continuous support from the British for many years.