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Politics

UK, Italy, Japan Consider Plan to Oversee New Fighter Jet

  • Aim is to set up an international organization this year
  • Parallel talks to create a JV, ownership questions remain
A jet fighter pilot prepares his aircraft before leaving. 

A jet fighter pilot prepares his aircraft before leaving. 

Photographer: Thibaud Moritz/AFP/Getty Images

Italy, Japan and the UK aim to set up an international organization by the end of the year to push through their plans for a next generation fighter jet, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The three countries’ parliaments would then ratify the body in the middle of next year, said the people who asked not to be named on private talks. The three nations announced last year the so-called Global Combat Air Programme to develop the jet.