UK Commits £8.6 Billion to GCAP Fighter Jet Program as 2027 Contract Extension Nears
Updated
Updated · The Japan Times · Jul 1
UK Commits £8.6 Billion to GCAP Fighter Jet Program as 2027 Contract Extension Nears
3 articles · Updated · The Japan Times · Jul 1
Summary
£8.6 billion in U.K. funding over the next four years clears a key uncertainty hanging over the Japan-Italy-Britain sixth-generation fighter project.
Tuesday’s long-delayed Defense Investment Plan said London will sign the next GCAP international contract shortly, extending the current development agreement through the end of 2027.
The government said the money will support research and development, design work and capabilities for GCAP, the centerpiece of Britain’s broader future combat aviation program.
The commitment follows months of concern that delayed British defense planning could slow the trilateral program’s move into its next development phase.