Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Future Combat Air System programme.

Progress continues to be made on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The core platform, that will sit at its heart, is being delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) to oversee delivery on behalf of our partner governments, Japan and Italy, has been created. Additionally, on 13 December, BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC), reached an agreement to form a new company under a business joint venture for GCAP, subject to regulatory approvals.

Both the GIGO and the proposed Industry Joint Venture will have their Head Quarters in Reading.