A new deal has been struck for next generation fighter aircraft to protect the UK's skies - with Lancashire at its heart.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is today confirming that Team Tempest, a partnership including BAE Systems, will combine with Italian and Japanese partners on the Global Air Combat Programme.

Tempest will replace the Typhoon by the mid-2030s and BAE's sites at Samlesbury and Warton in Lancashire are crucial locations for developing the project's capabilities.

Bosses at BAE say the initiative will generate thousands of jobs for engineers and apprentices across their countywide footprint.

Mr Sunak said: "The security of the United Kingdom, both today and for future generations, will always be of paramount importance to this Government.

"That’s why we need to stay at the cutting-edge of advancements in defence technology – outpacing and out-manoeuvring those who seek to do us harm.

"The international partnership we have announced with Italy and Japan aims to do just that, underlining that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are indivisible.

"The next-generation of combat aircraft we design will protect us and our allies around the world by harnessing the strength of our world-beating defence industry – creating jobs while saving lives.”

Charles Woodburn, BAE's chief executive, added: "The launch of the Global Combat Air Programme firmly positions the UK, alongside Japan and Italy, as leaders in the design, development and production of next generation combat air capability.

"With our UK industry partners, we look forward to strengthening our ties with Japanese and Italian industries as we work together to deliver this programme of huge importance to our global defence and security.

"The agreement with Japan and Italy is fundamental to meeting the goals set out in the UK Combat Air Strategy and is set to create and sustain thousands of high value jobs and benefit hundreds of companies across the UK, contributing to long-term economic prosperity and safeguarding sovereign combat air capability for generations to come.”

Team Tempest, first launched in 2018, also involves the Italian aerospace giant Leonardo, Rolls-Royce and missile maker MBDA, which has a major presence in Bolton.

Further work will be undertaken with Japanese outfits such as IHI Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Avio Aero and Elettronica in Italy.

Air defence experts at BAE say the first demonstrator for GCAP will be ready for lift-off by the mid 2020s.

An estimated 2,500 people are already working as part of Team Tempest and contracts have been signed with 580 organisations, including 91 smaller suppliers.