The national defence industry leaders on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) - Leonardo (Italy), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) and BAE Systems (UK) - have warmly welcomed the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the "Global Combat Air Programme - GCAP International Government Organisation (the GIGO)" by their respective governments.

Ministers from Italy, Japan and UK signed the treaty, which marks an important agreement in the shared design and development of a next generation fighter aircraft by 2035.

The agreement, signed just 12 months since the formation of the GCAP programme, reinforces its momentum and the strong trilateral co-operation amongst the partners.

Discussions on the future joint industrial construct to deliver GCAP are continuing, with representatives from Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and BAE Systems meeting recently in Tokyo.

In September this year, the industry partners announced a Collaboration Agreement to support ongoing discussions on long-term working arrangements and maturity of the concept and capability requirements for the next generation combat aircraft.

Working alongside the UK Ministry of Defence as the lead UK industry partner, BAE Systems will deliver critical advanced combat air systems and integration with its international partners.

Herman Claesen, managing director, Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems' Air sector, said: "We welcome the agreement signed by the governments of Italy, Japan and the UK, and the continued progress with our industrial partners to advance the future joint business construct that will enable us to deliver the next generation combat aircraft.

"We're proud to represent the UK on this exciting and forward-leaning partnership, which will deliver a crucial and affordable defence capability and help to maintain our sovereign combat air skills in the UK."

BAE Systems employs a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries and has a base in Gloucester.

BAE Systems' Submarines business plays a vital role in the UK economy, particularly in the north west of England. By the end of this year, its workforce will grow to 12,500, including around 900 new apprentices and graduates.

The business plans to recruit an additional 2,700 people next year, which will include a further 900 apprentices and graduates providing a significant employment boost for the region.