The United Kingdom and Japan have announced investment and technology partnerships worth more than £18 billion (US$24 billion), covering infrastructure, financial services, offshore wind, technology and defence cooperation, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed during talks in London.
Under the partnership, Japanese firms are expected to support a five-year investment pipeline of more than £9 billion in infrastructure and financial services, with plans to unlock up to £9 billion for UK offshore wind projects. The investment package could create tens of thousands of jobs over the next five years, Downing Street said.
Leaders also discussed the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and agreed to accelerate progress on the next-generation fighter project involving the UK, Japan and Italy. Defence cooperation formed a central pillar of the announcements, with both sides committing to deeper collaboration on advanced military technologies and systems integration.
The package also includes deeper Rolls-Royce collaboration with Japan's Atomic Energy Agency on next-generation nuclear technologies. In addition, both countries signed expanded agreements on artificial intelligence, space, quantum computing, cybersecurity and semiconductors — areas identified as strategic priorities for future economic growth.
UK officials emphasised that the deal represents a significant step in deepening bilateral ties following Brexit, with both countries committed to strengthening economic and technological partnerships beyond traditional defence cooperation.
Sources: UK Government, Reuters, BBC News, The Guardian.
