The defense chiefs of Japan and Britain have agreed to accelerate the planned joint development of a next-generation fighter jet by Japan, the UK and Italy, aiming to conclude a contract by the end of this year.

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

The two agreed to speed up the planned joint development to achieve the target of deploying the aircraft in 2035.

They recognized the need to set up at an early date a joint venture entrusted to design and manufacture the aircraft. They agreed to work toward finalizing a contract between the firm and an international organization that will coordinate the project by the end of the year.

Nakatani and Healey also shared the view that the security environment of the Indo-Pacific region is the most severe in the world. They confirmed the need for Japan and the UK to step up cooperation as Asia and Europe's closest security partners.