Japanese government sources say Japan, Britain and Italy are considering to include Saudi Arabia in their joint development of a next-generation fighter jet.

The three nations are working together on the Global Combat Air Programme to build a fighter jet with higher capabilities than the most-advanced models currently available. They aim to deploy the new aircraft, which will be able to operate with drones, by 2035.

They likely hope Saudi Arabia can be a source of fresh financing for the extremely costly project.

The three are expected to discuss how much the Saudis should take part in the development and assembly of the fighter jet as the Gulf nation's technology is not seen as at the same level as theirs.