The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently clarified that a £160 million reduction in projected in-year expenditure for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is not a reflection of scaling back military capability or commitment to the programme.
Responding to parliamentary queries from Conservative MP James Cartlidge, Defence Minister Maria Eagle explained that the underspend results from various factors, including shifts in accounting treatment and early progress on the combat aircraft demonstrator project.
“The reduced in year expenditure is not a result of changes to the military capability being developed by the FCAS/GCAP programme,” Eagle stated. “It is a combination of an accounting treatment change, work on the combat aircraft demonstrator project that was carried out ahead of schedule in the previous financial year and revised plans for the delivery of infrastructure and other programme enablers.”
Britain starts manufacturing on new fighter jet demonstrator
The clarification came after Cartlidge questioned whether the MoD’s reduction signalled a downgrading of the ambitious project at a time when defence budgets are under close scrutiny. The Ministry previously indicated that while the initial budget for this financial year was set at £1.46 billion, adjustments were made to £1.3 billion in response to updated industry timelines and financial processes. This recalibration, according to MoD sources, was primarily based on industry-revised estimates of programme activity, not on a reduction in commitment or long-term funding.
Critics, however, argue that even perceived reductions in budget allocations could impact the UK’s standing with its allies, particularly in defence manufacturing collaborations. Cartlidge, who labelled the move as a “cut,” highlighted the potential for mixed signals to adversaries regarding the UK’s defence priorities.
Yet, MoD officials have maintained that the adjustments are consistent with typical project cycles and reflect an approach that allows for resource reallocation in line with project advancements and actual industry timelines.
Furthermore, the current budget still accounts for the programme’s extensive goals, which encompass developing next-generation air combat capabilities. “At the start of this financial year, it was expected that the Ministry of Defence would spend up to ~£1.46 billion on FCAS/GCAP. The forecast was reduced to £1.3 billion due to revised estimates of programme activity from industry throughout the year,” noted Eagle in her response.
The MoD has also highlighted the importance of the broader FCAS/GCAP initiative for the UK’s future military capability, explaining that project timelines, fiscal oversight, and reallocation practices are carefully aligned to ensure progress without compromising capability.
Notably, the programme is expected to see further investment and phases of development in the coming years.
What is Tempest?
The Tempest/Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a collaborative project between the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy, aimed at developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter. This aircraft is intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon for the Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force, as well as the Mitsubishi F-2 for Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force.
The joint programme began in December 2022, merging separate initiatives from the UK, Italy, and Japan into a single development effort for the new fighter jet.
The UK has already made significant strides in the development of GCAP, with initial test flights conducted on simulators and progress reported on key technologies like stealth features and weapon bay integration. Rolls-Royce is heavily involved in the engine development, working alongside Italian and Japanese companies to ensure compatibility and innovation in the propulsion systems.
The demonstrator aircraft, featuring advanced avionic systems, is expected to showcase cutting-edge capabilities by 2027.
While the focus of GCAP is on the fighter jet itself, future developments could include unmanned systems and other assets to support the aircraft in a “system of systems” approach. However, unlike similar programmes in Europe, GCAP remains focused primarily on the development of the fighter, leaving broader air combat capabilities as potential future projects.
Hmm, so long as the money isn’t taken away by the Treasury… traditionally underspends were taken back by the treasury so there was always a scramble to spend said underspends..! Err if you follow…
Cheers CR
Heaven forbid that the MoD have found a way to save money!?
I think this is a bit of a non story. There are plenty of other reasons to be worried about the defence budget over the next few years, but I think the Tempest program will be ok 🤞🤞 …there are too many good reasons for it not to continue…
It’s the word ‘Underspend’ that will start alarm bells ringing. Government underspends usually end up in virement ‘pots’. From there, those funds can go anywhere.