Britain is collaborating with Japan on its latest supersonic fighter jet programme with "joint concept analysis" expected to lead to decisions on deeper partnerships by the end of the year.
The two countries are close to an agreement to merge their next-generation Tempest and F-X fighter jet programmes, and are aiming for a deal on a new joint project by year-end.
The research will eventually produce a next-generation replacement for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government was backing aviation and technology.
"I am a passionate believer in the potential of our burgeoning partnership, not just with Italy, but with Japan," he said at the opening of the Farnborough Airshow.
Britain and its lead defence partner BAE Systems said a Tempest demonstrator would fly within the next five years, becoming the country's first new jet since the Typhoon nearly 40 years ago.
It will be a piloted supersonic aircraft testing a range of new technology, including integration of stealth-compatible features, BAE said at the show.
Britain wants the new fighter to be in service by 2035 and, after its departure from the European Union, is pursuing a programme separate from a Franco-German-Spanish plan.
The joint concept analysis with Japan and Italy will explore potential partnership options with the UK's Future Combat Air project, Britain said, with decisions expected by the end of the year.
Like the UK, both Japan and Italy operate F-35 fighter jets and the nations have undertaken joint exercises together.
Richard Berthon, UK director of Future Combat Air, said Britain was talking to "serious countries with serious ambitions to invest".
He said talks with Japan were "going better than to plan".
"The extent of the alignment we found with Japan, both on the military side, on the engineering side and on the investment side is fantastic," he told reporters at Farnborough.
"We are exploring what the level of ambition and the scope of our cooperation will be."
Tempest has a government budget of £2 billion ($2.4bn) until 2025. Other partners include Leonardo UK, MBDA and Rolls-Royce.
BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn said taking one of the concepts for the fighter jet from a digital design, which had already "flown" 100 hours, into a physical aircraft was "a big step" for the company.
Tempest is one of a competing series of sixth-generation fighters in development around the world. They have advanced digital capabilities, in areas such as AI and cyber warfare.
Tempest is one of two European initiatives for the next generation of air power, alongside the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System, currently mired in divisions between partners Airbus and Dassault Aviation.
Mr Berthon said Tempest had a "very aggressive" timetable to meet and so was focused on a small range of partners.
In reference to the rival European scheme, he said he recognised the "complexities that they're grappling with".
"I think we have a really solid foundation and we're open to conversations [with other partners] as time goes by," he said.
Britain and Sweden have also signed an agreement to work on joint combat air development and acquisition.
Mr Berthon said Sweden would remain "a very close partner within future combat systems and technology", but noted there had been a "radical change in their strategic environment" that was likely to affect the country's threat assessment and budget, referring in part to Sweden's application to join Nato.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
List of alleged parties
May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members
May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party
Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson
Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party
Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters
Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
