EU approves Japanese, UK, Italian venture for combat aircraft

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.