Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has expressed his "excitement" for the UK's defence, as he signs an international treaty with Japan and Italy for a future combat air programme.

The treaty aims to develop an innovative stealth fighter with supersonic capability, and equipped with new cutting-edge technology.

Shapps said of the deal: "It's a really important time for the UK and Japan to work closely together. The world is much more contested now. We're seeing that with various different conflicts.

"But it's important that with a conflict in Europe and a conflict in the Middle East, that we don't forget that the Indo-Pacific also needs protection as well. And the United Kingdom takes those responsibilities incredibly seriously."