The defense chiefs of Japan and Britain are stepping up efforts to develop and deploy a next-generation fighter jet in a joint project initiated by Japan, UK and Italy.

Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen met with British Defence Secretary John Healey on Wednesday during a visit to the UK.

The details of the meeting have yet to be disclosed, but the two likely discussed the trilateral joint initiative. They are believed to have exchanged views on the work process to achieve the target of deploying the aircraft in 2035.

The headquarters of an international organization to coordinate the project was launched last month.

Nakatani and Healey apparently discussed when to establish a joint venture in charge of design and manufacturing, as well as the timing of the contract.

The defense chiefs of the three countries involved held talks on the project in October last year. They agreed to accelerate the preparatory work.

In the latest meeting, the Japanese and British sides likely reaffirmed the ongoing progress.

Nakatani and Healey are also believed to have talked about the situation in Ukraine, amid the dispatch of North Korean soldiers to Russia. They also likely exchanged opinions over China's increasing maritime assertiveness.