The UK and Japan are collaborating to create a new fighter jet using artificial intelligence.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a partnership between the three countries, is a new initiative that should result in hundreds of high-skilled jobs being created in the UK over 10 years.

Today, Prime Minister Rishi Sonak will launch the first phase in the collaboration by visiting RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. He will see Typhoon aircraft that have been the backbone of the nation’s air capabilities for the past two decades.

The aim is for the Tempest (provisionally called Typhoon) to be a next generation jet, operational by 2035. It will include advanced sensors and cutting-edge weapons, as well as capabilities like fully autonomous control and data systems.

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Gesture control technology and eye-tracking technology will allow the pilot to monitor his workload, identifying fatigue and mental stress. Artificial intelligence built into the aircraft will allow it to stay in combat if the pilot becomes unconscious.

The cockpit will be completely unmanned and will not have dials. Advanced stealth technology will also make the jet virtually invisible to radar.

Auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers suggested last year that taking a leading role in developing such an aircraft could support 21,000 jobs a year and contribute PS26.2bn to the economy by 2050.

It is possible that allies will buy into GCAP or work together to expand their capabilities. The partnership will likely allow for the development of combat aircraft that can be used to complement other NATO partner fighters.

Prime Minister will declare: “The security and well-being of the United Kingdom today and in the future will be of paramount importance to our government.” We must stay on the cutting edge of technological advancements in defense technology, outpacing those who would do us harm.

“The international partnership that we announced today with Japan and Italy aims to achieve that goal, underlining the fact that security in the Euro-Atlantic as well as Indo-Pacific regions is indivisible.

“The next generation of combat aircraft that we design will protect us, our allies and the world. It harnesses the strength of the world-beating defense industry. This creates jobs and saves lives.

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Defense Secretary Ben Wallace will state that the international partnership with Japan and Italy to design and create the next generation of Combat Aircraft is the best collaboration in cutting-edge defence technology and expertise across our countries. This will provide highly skilled jobs and long-term security and stability for Britain and allies.

The US Armed Forces unveiled the B-21 Raider last week. This is its latest nuclear stealth bomber, and the first aircraft of its kind in three decades.

GCAP, the latest example British defense cooperation with international allies is alongside the AUKUS partnership to build nuclear submarines in Australia and NATO.

The UK defense industry is a leader in advanced aerospace engineering. BAE Systems was the first to use advanced 3D printing and autonomous robots in military aircraft at their “factory of the Future” in Lancashire.