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[Tom MoodyParticipant]

Japan refuses to say if other nations may join fighter jet program

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani has refused to comment on the prospect of other countries joining Japan, Britain and Italy in their joint next-generation fighter jet development program in the future.

“We are not at the stage to talk about participation by third countries such as Saudi Arabia and India right now,” Nakatani said Friday when asked about media reports that the two nations are willing to take part in the program to develop a fighter by 2035.

According to a Japanese government source, the three project members are considering holding defense ministerial talks in Italy in May, when Saudi Arabian government officials may join to discuss the Middle Eastern state’s potential participation.

A Japanese newspaper reported last week that India has sounded the Japanese government out about possibly becoming involved in the warplane program.

Nakatani said nothing has been decided on the next three-way gathering with his counterparts but added that it is “extremely vital” to maintain “high-level communication” with Britain and Italy.

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