EU approves Japanese, UK, Italian venture for combat aircraft

Fighter jet producer will be based in Britain and start with Italian CEO

20250602N Global Combat Air Programme

A concept model of the Global Combat Air Programme fighter jet is displayed during the Defense Security Equipment International Japan event on May 21 in Chiba, east of Tokyo. © Reuters

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -- The European Union said on Monday it had approved a joint venture among BAE Systems (Holdings), Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. and Leonardo, which will be the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme.

The joint venture will develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft for use by the governments of Italy, the U.K. and Japan, with the potential for sales to other jurisdictions or government buyers in the future, the European Commission said.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.