Carns rebukes SNP absence during Typhoon capability debate

The Armed Forces Minister used his response in the Westminster Hall debate on Typhoon sovereign capability to defend ongoing investment in the aircraft and to criticise the lack of SNP participation.

Al Carns opened by paying tribute to Typhoon personnel and describing the jet as the RAF’s “premier multi-role combat aircraft”. He highlighted its role in quick reaction alert duties and NATO air policing, citing recent operations in Poland, Romania and Estonia. He also pointed to Typhoon activity with the carrier strike group in the Indo Pacific.

Carns set out the structure of the force, saying that six frontline squadrons and specialist units form what he called a “formidable capability”. He stressed the economic footprint of the programme, noting that 37 percent of each aircraft is manufactured in the UK and supports more than 20,000 jobs. He told MPs that over 800 of those roles are in Scotland at Leonardo’s radar facility.

The Minister linked this to the recent Turkish order for 20 Typhoons, which he described as a deal “worth up to £8 billion” that supports hundreds of British suppliers. He framed the agreement as proof that defence exports are being re-energised.

This led to his pointed comment that “it is a shame that the SNP Government in Scotland still do not do so with a full voice”, prompting Conservative MP Mark Francois to ask, “Where are the SNP?” Carns replied, “Great question.”

Turning to modernisation, Carns reaffirmed that Typhoon will remain central to UK combat air into the 2040s. He said the new electronically scanned radar programme is backed by £3 billion and “on track for delivery in the next decade”. He did not address the specific delays raised earlier in the debate, though he insisted the aircraft is undergoing a “comprehensive set of upgrades” to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Carns described Typhoon and the F-35 as a complementary mix, arguing that the two platforms serve different roles. He referenced the forthcoming defence investment plan as the vehicle for setting out future spending, adding that “Christmas presents come at Christmas” when pressed on timelines.

He also addressed long-term planning for GCAP, saying the sixth-generation programme remains strategically central. He cautioned that its final configuration will depend on technology and scientific work rather than political pre-commitment.

He told MPs that around 3,500 personnel are already working on GCAP across the UK and that investment in combat air over the next decade could reach £30 billion.