On Monday 2 June, the European Commission approved the proposed creation of a defence joint venture (JV) between BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. and Leonardo S.p.A. (‘Leonardo’), which will be the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme, or future combat aircraft.
The transaction relates primarily to multi-role combat aircraft. According to the parties, the strategic and economic rationale for the...