(Press Release)
July 22, 2026
Ministry of Defense Japan
On 21 July 2026, commencing at 15:20 local time for approximately 40 minutes, Defense Minister Koizumi, who was visiting the United Kingdom to attend the Farnborough International Airshow, attended the Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting with the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and H.E. Mr. Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic. At this meeting, the three Ministers discussed the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the trilateral collaboration to jointly development the next-generation fighter aircraft.
The three Ministers welcomed the achievement of significant milestones through the conclusion of international contracts between the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) and the Joint Venture Edgewing in April and July this year respectively. The conclusion of these contracts is expected to further streamline and accelerate the development effort under GIGO and Edgewing.
The Ministers also discussed wider cooperation with other countries, including Canada's participation as an observer. Recognizing that GCAP has entered a new phase, they confirmed their commitment to working closely together to make the programme even better.