Japan, UK and Italy draw closer to next stage of fighter jet program

London says new deal to launch design phase will be signed by end of June

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right, met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on June 14 and 15, respectively. (Source photos by Nikkei)

ROME/TOKYO -- A next-generation stealth fighter jet project backed by Japan, the U.K. and Italy is moving toward the main design phase following top-level dialogues between the three nations.