By Cristina Gallardo
BAE Systems held early talks with Japanese defense companies aiming to co-develop drones to accompany fighter jets.
The British defense prime said Thursday that the collaboration could eventually seek contracts linked to the Global Combat Air Programme, or GCAP, a project bringing together Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet by 2035.
The GCAP has been in the spotlight recently after the U.S. administration threatened to reduce its military presence in Europe, bolstering talks among European officials on the need to increase defense self-sufficiency.
The program's aircraft are expected to operate with a fleet of accompanying autonomous drones.
BAE Systems is one of three companies taking part in the GCAP, alongside Italy's Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi--both of which are also exploring autonomous technologies.
However, a spokesperson for BAE Systems cautioned that the GCAP has yet to set technical requirements for accompanying drones, limiting the immediate scope of any potential partnership.
Shares in BAE Systems were up 0.5% at 15.92 pounds in midday trading.
Write to Cristina Gallardo at cristina.gallardo@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 13, 2025 07:15 ET (11:15 GMT)
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