UK in talks with Sweden to develop sixth-generation fighter jet

The UK is moving to defend its position as a world leader in the field of military aerospace, holding discussions with Sweden on working together to design a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, the FT reported.

According to industry sources, other potential partners included Japan and South Korea.

Westminster's move followed the Franco-German decision in 2017 to move ahead alone on the initial planning and design phase for a replacement for the Typhoon jet from 2040, the RAF's mainstay, leaving BAE Systems out of the project for the moment.

Tensions around Brexit and the UK government's unwillingness to commit firmly to funding a programme had also played a hand, one industry source told te FT.

As a knock-on effect, the decision taken by Berlin and Paris was reportedly also impacting Anglo-French collaboration in developing an unmanned fighter jet.

Swedish manufacturer Saab makes the rival Gripen and has actively competed for export orders against with the international consortium behind the Typhoon, which includes the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, and France's Rafale fighter, which is made by Dassault.

It also comes ahead of the expected announcement of Britain's long-awaited combat air strategy, one of whose first goals is to award a firm manufacturing contract by 2020.

The new European project was to be led by France's Dassault, alongside Airbus.