The governments of Japan and the United Kingdom are discussing a potential joint programme to develop aero-engine technologies that will power Japan's next-generation F-X fighter aircraft, officials have confirmed to Janes.


The programme – should it go ahead – will be led by the two countries' air propulsion specialists, Japan's IHI Corporation and the UK's Rolls-Royce.


A spokesperson from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) told Janes that the proposed project with Japan is linked to the UK government's Future Combat Air System (FCAS), of which the Tempest future fighter is the crucial component. In late 2020 the UK agreed to progress FCAS through a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italy and Sweden.


“Working with international allies is central to our strategy for a Future Combat Air System, which will keep us safe from intensifying threats for the rest of the century,” said the MoD spokesperson. “As well as our partnership with Sweden and Italy, we are exploring opportunities on the development of subsystems with Japan.”


Rolls-Royce told Janes that its potential collaboration with IHI Corporation would be founded on the UK firm's strong industrial ties in the Asian country.


Rolls-Royce says on its website that nearly 20% of the components and modules in its Trent family of commercial aerospace engines are built in Japan. Rolls-Royce engines power aircraft across all branches of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), according to the website.


“Working with Japan to develop the technologies and capabilities needed for a next-generation fighter to replace the F-2 offers an exciting opportunity to bring together some of the best combat air capabilities in the world,” said a Rolls-Royce spokesperson.


https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japan-uk-discuss-partnership-on-fighter-jet-engines


일본과 영국 정부는 일본의 차세대 F-X 전투기에 동력을 공급할 항공 엔진 기술을 개발하기 위한 잠재적 공동 프로그램에 대해 논의하고 있다고 관계자들은 제인스에게 확인했다.


이 프로그램은 양국의 항공 추진 전문가인 일본의 IHI Corporation과 영국의 롤스로이스가 주도하게 된다.


영국 국방부 대변인은 제인스에게 일본에게 제안된 프로젝트는 영국 정부의 미래 전투 항공 시스템과 관련이 있으며, 이 시스템은 템페스트 미래 전투기에 중요한 구성 요소라고 말했다. 영국은 2020년 말에 이탈리아 및 스웨덴과 3국간 양해각서(MoU)를 통해 FCAS를 진행하기로 합의했다.



F-3 6세대 확정이네