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UK defense plan to unlock fresh GCAP contract before Farnborough Airshow
Defense News • • world
Key Points:
- The tri-nation consortium behind the GCAP fighter program secured a major contract ahead of the Farnborough airshow, enabled by the U.K.'s £8.6 billion funding commitment over four years announced in its Defence Investment Plan (DIP).
- The funding resolves previous delays caused by disputes over defense budgets, allowing the U.K., Italy, and Japan to proceed with the program, which aims to have a prototype jet flying by 2035.
- A £686 million development contract was signed with Edgewing, the consortium representing BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC), to continue work on the GCAP project.
- The delay in U.K. funding caused tensions with Italy and Japan, with the Japanese prime minister reportedly threatening to shift alliances before ultimately reaffirming commitment during a U.K. visit.
- Despite the funding breakthrough, risks remain as the U.K. defense ministry still needs to secure additional budget allocations and savings, making the program's long-term financial stability uncertain.
