Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru said the joint project to develop a next-generation fighter jet will proceed under the new British government.

Kihara spoke to reporters after a meeting with his British and Italian counterparts in London on Tuesday.

Asked about British media reports that the country's new government might review the project due to concerns over costs, he said he understands that the new administration will conduct the Strategic Defence Review.

Then he said he was briefed on the review process during one-on-one talks with Defence Secretary John Healey.

Kihara added that there is no concern about the project and the two sides reaffirmed that they will continue working so they can deploy the aircraft in 2035.