The offices for a major new global fighter jet have been officially opened in Reading.
The Global Combat Air Programme is a project between the governments and weapons industries of the UK, Italy and Japan to create a sixth-generation fighter jet to deter global adversaries.
The offices for the new fighter jet programme opened at 350 Brook Drive in Green Park on Monday, July 7.
Maria Eagle, the minister for defence procurement, said: “It’s not just a celebration of a building, but a testament to the power of partnership, ingenuity and shared ambition.
“The facility will be a centre of excellence, uniting top talent from our three governments and industries that pioneer advancements in future air technology.
“It will be a place where expertise, creativity and determination converge to strengthen the combat air industrial capabilities of our nations.
“Today (Monday, July 7), GCAP takes another bold step forward. This new headquarters will play a pivotal role in the delivery of our next-generation fighter jet, that will redefine the future of combat air.”
She added that it will host the GCAP international government organisation and the joint venture Edgewing, which will develop an aircraft that will counter new and evolving threats.
A symbolic ribbon was cut inside the building to mark the opening, which was attended by councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles (Labour, Whitley), the mayor of Reading, and Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, who both represent the area.
After the ceremony, which was attended by Japanese officials, Ms Eagle fielded questions from the press.
When asked by the office in Green Park had been selected, Ms Eagle said: “It’s a really brilliant location, because obviously there is collaboration between the three nations, so the proximity to Heathrow Airport, and also to London and Bristol, it makes it an ideal location to have this HQ, and that’s why we’re here.
“There will be about 100 local jobs here, which is an immediate benefit, and of course, as the programme goes on, there may be other opportunities that arise that people from here can take advantage of.
“It’s a really great place for us to set up, you’re right in the centre of Italy, Japan and the UK, I’d say.”
It is hoped that the new fighter aircraft will be ready in a decade, by 2035, replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japanese F-2 fighter.
The three nations have devised the project to make an aircraft that is less reliant on American technology.
The offices at 350 Brook Drive were previously occupied by business management consultants CGI, which moved to Campus Reading last year, according to Insider Media.
Ms Eagle is the Labour MP for Liverpool Garston.
