Saudi Arabia set to join talks on Japan’s next-gen fighter jet

TOKYO — Japan is preparing to bring Saudi Arabia on board upcoming talks with the U.K. and Italian defense chiefs concerning the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet, Nikkei has learned.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visits Italy in early May to meet with his counterparts from the U.K. and Italy. The three countries are developing a new fighter jet intended to enter service in 2035.