UK, Japan to Jointly develop lethal threat sensor for combat jets

The United Kingdom (UK) and Japan have agreed to collaborate in the research and development of cutting-edge sensor technology for combat jets to detect lethal threats.

The agreement is part of the UK’s Combat Air Strategy, supported by two billion euros ($2.7 billion) in funding over the next four years.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Jaguar universal radio frequency sensor technology would enable military forces to better detect future threats from air and other domains.

The sensor will also be designed to “quickly and accurately” locate targets and deny surveillance systems operated by enemy forces.

Leonardo UK will work with the Japanese defense industry to design, build, and evaluate the Jaguar system, taking around five years. One prototype for each country will be developed “to maximize national expertise.”

The project is scheduled to begin in April and is expected to create around 75 jobs, including 40 highly skilled engineering jobs at a Leonardo production facility in the UK.