LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's BAE Systems, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Italy's Leonardo have agreed the next steps to deliver the concept phase of a next-generation combat aircraft, BAE Systems said on Tuesday.
The three nations agreed in December 2022 to collaborate to build an advanced front-line fighter to enter service around the middle of the next decade.
The new Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) agreement will support discussions to set out working arrangements and capability requirements for the aircraft, BAE said.
The three nations will update on the project's progress at London's DSEI international arms fair this week, BAE said.
Britain's defence ministry had committed 2 billion pounds to the project, formerly known as Tempest, before Japan and Italy joined.
Persons:
Italy's Leonardo, Herman Claesen, BAE's, GCAP, Sachin Ravikumar, Paul Sandle, Sarah Young
Organizations:
BAE Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Global Combat Air, BAE, London's
Locations:
Italy, Japan