UK PM backs strategic fighter jet partnership with Italy and Japan

The UK has approved the development of a multibillion-pound fighter jet in collaboration with Italy and Japan, alleviating concerns that the flagship Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) might be jeopardized by the new Labour government’s strategic defence review.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led a meeting on November 5 where ministers committed to the project, sources familiar with the decision confirmed, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

A formal announcement is anticipated in the coming weeks.

"Keir Starmer chaired a meeting with some ministers... at which they made a firm commitment to GCAP," a British government official stated. The decision will be a relief to partners Italy and Japan, who had worried about potential withdrawal by the UK following Labour's rise to power, especially given past warnings about cost concerns.

In July, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard had described GCAP as “really important” but noted that Labour's strategic defence review could influence its future. Similarly, during the Farnborough Air Show that same month, Starmer refrained from confirming Britain's continued participation.

GCAP seeks to advance the defence capabilities of the UK, Italy, and Japan in response to increasing threats from Russia and China. It merges Japan's F-X initiative with the UK and Italy's Tempest project, aiming to produce a next-generation supersonic jet by 2035.

The UK had already invested over £2bn into the Tempest programme, but the full cost of GCAP remains undetermined. The project is secured by a trilateral treaty signed in December 2022 among the partner nations.

Prominent British defence companies BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce are collaborating on the project, alongside Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Recognizing the uncertainty the strategic review had created, Starmer sought to reassure allies. "Starmer was aware of the discomfort from Japan and Italy at the uncertainty... and wanted to make a firm decision sooner rather than later," a person familiar with the meeting revealed.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has underscored the programme’s significance, emphasizing its strategic value during events like the G7 Defence Ministers Summit in Naples. The Ministry of Defence reiterated the UK’s dedication to GCAP, stating, "We are a proud member of the Global Combat Air Programme... working to deliver a next-generation combat aircraft for 2035. We are making rapid progress, driving innovation, creating jobs, and boosting the industrial base of each country."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently announced an additional £2.9bn for the Ministry of Defence in next year's Budget, ensuring that the UK continues to fulfil and exceed NATO commitments. This funding comes as Labour addresses the affordability issues highlighted by the National Audit Office last year, which had criticized the MoD’s equipment plan as financially unsustainable.

By Tamilla Hasanova