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The British government set out £8.6 billion in funding for the Global Combat Air Program over the next four years. The commitment follows months of uncertainty over financing and potential delays to the next development phase.
Japan TimesBritain will invest £8.6 billion ($11.7 billion) in the Global Combat Air Program over the next four years, according to the U.K. Defense Investment Plan released Tuesday. The funding commitment covers development of a next-generation fighter jet with Japan and Italy.
Officials said the money will support research, design, and capabilities work through 2030. The plan also states that the next international contract for the program will be signed shortly, extending the current development agreement through the end of 2027.
Background on the program The trilateral effort began several years ago to replace aging fighter fleets in the three countries. A concept model of the aircraft was displayed at an exhibition in Chiba, Japan, in May 2025. Months of uncertainty had raised concerns that funding shortfalls could push back the schedule.
The new British commitment is intended to keep the program on track for its next phase.
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Russia launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones at Ukraine's capital overnight into Thursday. The strikes killed 11 people and injured 54, including two children, while damaging residential buildings in multiple districts.
abcnews.go.comRussian forces launched a major attack on Kyiv overnight on 1-2 July 2026, killing 13 people and injuring around 90. The strikes hit residential buildings and other sites across a wide area of the city.
dailywire.comAn 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck into a line of 35 monks walking along a road in Mukdahan province on Thursday, killing eight and sending 14 to hospitals. Four of the injured monks remain in critical condition.