In a recent call on July 6, Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida of Japan and Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Prime Minister Kishida began by congratulating Starmer on his new role, emphasizing the importance of the Japan-UK relationship.
He stated, “The partnership between Japan and the UK, sharing values and principles, has never been closer and more robust.” Kishida also thanked the UK for the warm welcome extended to the Emperor and Empress of Japan during their visit.
Prime Minister Starmer echoed these sentiments, expressing his honour at meeting Their Majesties and his eagerness to build even closer ties with Japan. “It was an honour to be given the opportunity to exchange greetings with Their Majesties,” Starmer said.
The two leaders agreed that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is deeply connected and stressed the need for ongoing cooperation. “The security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable and affirmed their close collaboration,” the call summary mentioned.
A key topic of their discussion was the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint effort by the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop a next-generation stealth fighter. This initiative aims to replace existing aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2. “The two leaders also affirmed to continue to promote cooperation between the two countries including the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP),” the summary noted.
GCAP involves around 9,000 people and over 1,000 suppliers worldwide, with 600 in the UK and 400 in Italy and Japan.
The conversation also touched on other global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to working together within the G7 and other international platforms to tackle these challenges.
GCAP will be an acid test of the reality of the new government’s apparent commitment to defence. It’s going to take a lot of money.
I guess whatever decision we make it’s going to be costly, and get it wrong not only in money.
600 hundred out of 1000 suppliers in the UK, apparently we do still make stuff 😀
We have always made stuff. But people’s naturally negative mindset leads others to believe we don’t.
Agreed.
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100 % agreed…
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I work in aerospace, as a repairs manager for a company specialising in business jet support, and I am continually surprised at how many companies in the UK still make aviation parts or repair them… And my sector is civilian – there’s obviously a whole heap more covering defence
This programme is sorely and desperately needed. We need GCAP to be delivered in service, on time and to a reasonable budget. The RAF needs a proliferative aircraft we can bring into service in numbers commensurate with national requirements. At least 200 aircraft needed if not more.
They say they want it to be affordable but they wanted like 200 Typhoons last time, I don’t see us getting much more than 100, if that, will at least maintain our current fleet
Apart from reaffirming commitment, are there any updates on the program? For that matter, any updates on the Franco/German program?
Last I heard the French and Germans were still fighting for share, and given the formers attitude with joint deals and now defence cuts again by Germany I’m not holding my breath. We’ve got two good partners so fingures crossed.
Yeah, it looks like cost-sharing will be completed towards the end of this year.
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I’ve seen two options for cost-sharing 1) Each nation gets 33.3% 2) The UK and Japan get 40% each, and Italy gets 20%.
Yes, likewise Coll. The one that’s cropped up a couple of times is the latter. Either way it is a vital project for all sorts of reasons so I just hope the politicians leave it be.
Indeed