Britain has signed an agreement with Japan and Italy to produce the next generation of RAF fighters with the potential to carry hypersonic missiles.

The Tempest jets will be part of The Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) which, it is claimed, will be able to compete in the marketplace with aircraft produced by the US and other major powers.

The program is the first time Japan, which is in the process of rapidly expanding its military budget and the capabilities of its armed forces, has gone into a major defence program with European states.

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Tokyo has indicated that it is seeking closer cooperation with Nato following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Talks are also believed to have been held with India regarding future participation in the program, illustrating the increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific with rising challenge from China.

Read more: Independent