The United Kingdom (UK) and Japan have agreed to collaborate in the research and development of cutting-edge sensor technology for combat jets to detect lethal threats.
The agreement is part of the UK’s Combat Air Strategy, supported by two billion euros ($2.7 billion) in funding over the next four years.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Jaguar universal radio frequency sensor technology would enable military forces to better detect future threats from air and other domains.
The sensor will also be designed to “quickly and accurately” locate targets and deny surveillance systems operated by enemy forces.
Leonardo UK will work with the Japanese defense industry to design, build, and evaluate the Jaguar system, taking around five years. One prototype for each country will be developed “to maximize national expertise.”
The project is scheduled to begin in April and is expected to create around 75 jobs, including 40 highly skilled engineering jobs at a Leonardo production facility in the UK.
‘Protecting Nations’
The collaboration between the UK and Japan to create “world-leading” sensor technology comes after they signed a memorandum of cooperation to pursue joint military technology ventures last year.
Leonardo UK chief executive officer Norman Bone said that the Asian nation has a “strong and growing” combat air industry, making it a “natural fit” for the defense collaboration.
“We’re keen to work with our international allies where their industry has similarly advanced capabilities, bringing together the best of both partners,” he explained, adding that highly-skilled British scientists and engineers will work with their Japanese counterparts to advance technology that will benefit both nations’ future combat air endeavors.
Meanwhile, UK defense procurement minister Jeremy Quin expressed pride in the opportunity to work closely with defense partners in Japan to ensure that their armed forces will remain at the “forefront” of military innovation.
He stated that the “crucial” relationship would allow both nations to develop state-of-the-art technologies, creating significant investment while protecting their sovereignty.
