UK troops touch down in Japan as countries’ defence ministers talk fighter jets
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UK troops have touched down in Japan, as the two countries’ senior defence officials meet for talks to strengthen their alliance. Some 100 UK soldiers have been deployed to the island of Kyushu for Exercise Vigilant Isles, a joint drill programme aimed at improving military teamwork between the two island nations.
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healey met his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, in London, where they discussed the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which will see Japan, the UK and Italy work together to build next-generation fighter jets. “With increasing instability across the world, it is more important than ever that we strengthen co-operation with our international partners like Japan,” Mr Healey said following the meeting.
He added: “Today, Minister Nakatani and I have highlighted the positive progress being made on our important next-generation fighter jet programme, to strengthen our security co-operation. “There are many miles between our two nations, but the UK and Japan stand closer together than ever in support of peace and security across the globe.”.
Reading will play host to GCAP headquarters, the Ministry of Defence has said, with the aim of providing jobs and boosting economic growth in the Berkshire town and across the UK. More than 3,500 people are working on the fighter jet programme across the UK, including engineers and programmers.
