UK and Japan join forces to develop cutting edge jet sensor system

The UK has signed an agreement with Japan to jointly develop fighter jet sensor technology.

Scientists and engineers from both countries will jointly design, build and evaluate the universal radio frequency sensor technology, known as JAGUAR.

The cutting-edge system will help the Armed Forces better detect lethal threats from air, land and sea – enabling quick and accurate target location, and deny surveillance by enemy operatives.

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The collaborative work, which will take around five years to complete, is part of the UK's Combat Air Strategy – a £2bn UK investment into major national and international projects for defence.  

Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said: "We are proud to work ever closer with our partners in Japan to ensure both our armed forces remain at the forefront of military innovation."

Two demonstrators will be built, one in each country, with work and learning shared to maximise national expertise.

With joint work on the project scheduled to start in April, it is expected to create 75 jobs across the UK, including 40 engineering positions in Scotland.