Plans for a successor to the Royal Air Force’s Hawk jet trainer will be detailed in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, with ministers declining to confirm whether any replacement would be procured from a British company.
In a written question tabled on 23 February, Conservative MP James Cartlidge asked whether the Government intends to source a Hawk replacement from a UK manufacturer.
Responding for the Ministry of Defence, Minister of State Luke Pollard said: “A plan to replace these aircraft will be detailed in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. All elements of this work, including the aircraft replacement, are progressing together. All decisions on future procurements will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.”
The answer did not address the nationality of any potential supplier, nor set out a timeline for introduction into service.
In a separate written question, Labour peer Lord Spellar asked what discussions had taken place with unions representing workers in the combat aircraft sector about the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK.
Defence Minister Lord Coaker said the Ministry of Defence is “committed to securing the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK, recognising its importance for skills, economic growth, and national prosperity.” He referenced the Combat Air Strategy and the Global Combat Air Programme as key initiatives underpinning that commitment.
Lord Coaker added: “The MOD engages with unions representing workers in the combat aircraft sector through regular dialogue and consultation. These discussions are part of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK.”
It’s getting to be a Non-News, News site !
Come on Starmer, publish the DIP.
Indeed. Every other article just boils down to the fact that Britain’s defence investment is in a state of paralysis because the government refuses to publish the DIP.
TBH feels more frequent than every other 🤷🏻♂️
These ‘stories’ are getting boring now. When there’s nothing going on with UK defence, I’d rather see articles from elsewhere with a bit more meat on the bone. I’m not talking about stories from drunk Irish colonels either. There’s plenty going on that would encourage debate here.
Pakistan striking Afghanistan. Germany and their change of direction with one way attack drones. Oh, and the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square being defaced with ‘Zionist war criminal’ and ‘Free Palestine’.
WHEN!!!!!!
Soon I would think. The Chancellor will give her Spring statement next week.and the financial position is a bit brighter than expected. That should clear the way for the DIP to be published later in March.
Which Spring, which March ?
DIPends….LOL
😁
I think you mean her Spin Statement which involves a lot of reannounced double counted money?
😆
Only because tax income brought about by huge increases was good in the third quarter. We could be going the other way by the end of April. We shouldn’t be counting chickens.
It’s a paralysed Govt, a shattering defeat to the Islamist communist alliance and a lame duck PM. The party will oust him and Reeves, the markets know that, and they will replace with a more left wing, high tax for welfare leader so economic decisions will risk market confidence.
What will her spring statement say.? Due to a strong leader we must commit to greater spend and a funded DIP?
Or, there might be Angela in charge after May’s council wipeout , who won’t prioritise defence?
Even if they publish a DIP they can’t promise delivery.
We are now in a race to 2029 with Labour and the Greens promising more socialism..
Couple of points I disagree with in your analysis. Firstly I don’t see the labour govt as paralysed. Rather I see them trying to execute ‘conservative’ economic and inclusive social policies against resistance from vested interests, including their own left wing. Secondly, it’s clear that explicit Islamic – communist alliance of Corbyn and Zara Sultana has been replaced by the more insidious threat of the Greens, who cynically campaigned in the Gorton bi-election on Gaza, LGBT rights and legitimising recreational drugs. Reeve’s fiscal discipline and supply side economics are exactly what the country needs. They are painful, but they will work. Starmer is a decent and intelligent man. He is bereavement personified, but probably still the best man for the job at the moment. That said, the electorate vote with their heart, not their head. If he doesn’t reprogram himself there will be change. Lastly, I think the DIP will be affordable and fit for purpose for UK defence. At a minimum I expect sound decisions on NHM, RAF trainer, RN fleet, Patria and Ajax.
Reeves “fiscal disciplne” ? I thought we were still in February but apparently April 1st has come early. 🙃
Govt is “committed to securing the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK“. Glad to hear it. I look forward to the announcement of M346 assembly at Yeovil 😂
It’s no decision from this War Fighting Government…
It is a doom spiral. Sadly, only a war with a peer power will affect anything. The enemies within are gaining strength weekly, there will be a tipping point. Of course this is exploited by Russia and the Chicoms. Blame? Decades of political inaction and corruption at all levels.
I think we all know the Hawk replacement will be either the M-346 or the T7 Red Hawk. Maybe both could be license built in the UK. In service for 2030? I’d be amazed. Hawk T1 will likely stay in service with the Reds and extended until 2032+. That’s my guess anyway.
M-346.
D.I.P.? This is the Diminishing Investment Panic we keep hearing about is it? I
Any update on Aeralis? Is anything being built or flying? If so seems a shame, will be too late if at all.