Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Global Combat Air Programme Treaty

18 December 2023 · 21 other contributors

Opened by Grant Shapps Con Welwyn Hatfield

Defence

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Grant Shapps raised concerns about global combat air programme treaty in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The treaty was signed with Japan and Italy to establish the Global Combat Air Programme.
  • The programme aims to deliver vital military capability and strengthen combat air sectors.
  • Significant investments have already been made by the UK in the programme.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Grant Shapps

Thank you for the warm welcome, Mr Speaker. With permission, I share details of a treaty signed with Japanese and Italian counterparts last Thursday to establish a joint programme for developing military combat aircraft called GCAP. The programme will deliver vital military capability, strengthen our combat air sectors, and set standards for future combat air systems. It bolsters collective security in an increasingly dangerous world, with significant investments already made by the UK (£2 billion from MoD, £600 million from industry). I am pleased to announce a major milestone: signing of the GCAP treaty establishing legal basis for a new organisation headquartered in the UK. The GIGO will deliver military innovation, strengthen industrial capacity, and maximise economic returns through partnerships. It is an engine of security and prosperity, enhancing RAF's global reach and cutting-edge capabilities while fostering Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic collaboration. Key combat air hubs in England and Scotland will support thousands of jobs and attract substantial inward investment. GCAP inspires future generations to pursue engineering careers. One year after the landmark deal by three Prime Ministers, our partnership is achieving new heights with significant effort from colleagues in all countries.

Other contributors (21)
  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    Can the Secretary of State outline the scope for working with other allies under the treaty? What measures are in place to prevent export problems like those encountered with Typhoon?

    Minister reply

    The treaty allows work with other allied nations both as secondary and primary partners. Article 50 ensures that issues such as those faced by Typhoon will not affect GCAP, providing a robust framework for international collaboration.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    Can the Secretary of State confirm the funding available for GCAP in 2025-26 and when the treaty will be laid before Parliament for ratification?

    Minister reply

    The exact figures for funding beyond 2025 have not been finalised yet. The treaty has been published on gov.uk today, and we aim to lay it before Parliament for ratification as soon as possible.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    What are the major issues that led to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority downgrading GCAP to red, and what actions is he taking to lift this rating?

    Minister reply

    The IPA downgrade was due to perceived major issues at the time. We have been addressing these challenges diligently, and we expect positive outcomes from our continued efforts in collaboration with partners.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    By what date does he anticipate the design to be finalised, national work shares agreed upon, manufacturing agreements signed, and initial flight trials commenced?

    Minister reply

    The joint development phase will launch in 2025 with a goal of having combat aircraft take to the skies by 2035. Design finalisation, work share agreements, manufacturing contracts, and first flight trials are critical milestones that we aim to meet on schedule.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    Welcomed the treaty signing but questioned scope for working with other allies, export issues, funding availability, RAG ratings, design lockdown dates, national work shares settlement, manufacturing agreements, first flight trials start date, overall delivery timeline.

    Minister reply

    Welcomed Labour's support and addressed concerns about collaboration history (Typhoon), resolvable German licence issues, expansion of equipment programme dismissing the £17 billion black hole figure. Cost-sharing arrangements are still being determined based on industrial capacity and IP from each country.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Asked whether future aircraft threat picture will depend on Ukraine-Russia conflict outcome, efforts to ensure Ukraine has current aircraft for self-defence.

    Minister reply

    Agreed that air facilities and combat capabilities are essential for Ukraine. Emphasised the ability of the GCAP fighter to fly unmanned; offered F-16 training assistance to other countries aiding Ukraine.

  • Drew Hendry

    Question

    Asked about defence spending sacrifices, potential Saudi Arabia joining programme, tensions with China and Taiwan strait implications.

    Minister reply

    Reiterated it is not a shortfall in the budget but a forecast before refresh. Discussed additional market for equipment but did not address specific concerns about Saudi Arabia or China.

  • Tobias Ellwood Con Bournemouth East

    Question

    Congratulates the Defence Secretary on advancing UK air capability and asks about procurement numbers for F-35Bs and future sixth-generation aircraft, inquiring if it's time to increase defence spending to 2.5%.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges that having a sixth-generation aircraft will keep ahead technologically but provides no specific number due to the ongoing development phase; confirms current plans include 48 F-35Bs by 2025 and another 27 after.

  • Kevan Jones Lab North Durham

    Question

    Welcomes GCAP treaty but questions about ensuring a vibrant UK manufacturing base between the development phase of GCAP and final aircraft delivery.

    Minister reply

    Notes that Tempest programme already employs 3,000 people including apprentices; factory run by BAE Systems needs to be addressed.

  • Greg Clark Con Islington North

    Question

    Praises the GCAP treaty with Japan and inquires about revising Japanese defence technology export principles.

    Minister reply

    Confirms discussions on modifying three principles for smoother exports; states that changes are likely necessary.

  • Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood

    Question

    Welcomes the statement but asks about setting a date for asset specification and safeguards against cost overruns.

    Minister reply

    Explains that technology is still evolving and R&D will be iterative; emphasises avoiding mission creep to prevent delays and extra costs.

  • Katherine Fletcher Con Hastings and Rye

    Question

    Congratulates on treaty formation with Italy and Japan, suggesting a new site in Lancashire next to the National Cyber Force centre.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges pitch for Lancashire but corrects statement that London is not guaranteed as headquarters.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Welcomes programme’s proactive nature and asks how it will enhance skills and labour in the UK, particularly Northern Ireland.

    Minister reply

    Emphasises importance of skills throughout the UK; notes that Northern Ireland's workforce can contribute to GCAP.

  • Jeremy Quin Con Taunton Deane

    Question

    Welcomes treaty and encourages looking at export variants for maintaining manufacturing bases.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges importance of exports; states that democratic countries will need this sixth-generation aircraft in a more contested world.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    Question

    Welcomes treaty but questions UK Government's role compared to defence companies behind the project, asking to bring Sweden into tent.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges importance of Scottish companies; suggests Edinburgh as a potential headquarters location.

  • Mike Penning Con Hemel Hempstead

    Question

    Welcomes treaty but worries about slippage and service airframes being taken out before 2035.

    Minister reply

    Notes that 2035 is the backstop date for Japanese partners; supports principle of ensuring sufficient operational airframes.

  • Flick Drummond

    Question

    The GCAP is a prestigious project that will offer careers and high-skilled roles to people across the global supply chain for decades. Will my right hon. Friend commit to keeping up the work of the armed forces in their support for technical education in our schools and colleges, which is critical to making these projects a big success?

    Minister reply

    I absolutely will commit to doing that. My hon. Friend is right to highlight it. I am in conversation with my Cabinet colleagues about how we can maximise the amount of skills, not least because we need them for this programme. It is a matter of great pride that there are already 1,000 apprenticeships involved in the UK side of this.

  • Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup

    Question

    As the world becomes a more dangerous place, I very much welcome this statement. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the global combat air programme is another demonstration of this Government’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security?

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend is absolutely spot on, not only about GCAP today but about AUKUS. Five years ago, people would have been surprised by our global arrangement with Australia and America for nuclear powered subs and pillar 2 for AUKUS. Now, we are bringing in a treaty to allow for joint aircraft production and research and development with Japan, which is all a sign of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

  • Richard Graham

    Question

    I welcome this treaty and project, which will bring the GCAP alongside AUKUS and the five power defence arrangements at the heart of our Indo-Pacific defence partnerships. Could the Secretary of State confirm that this will also secure the future of the supply chain behind Typhoon and Eurofighter, including the landing gear and avionics from Gloucestershire? By the way, Gloucestershire airport would make an outstanding choice for project headquarters. I declare a local interest: will he also confirm that he will be deploying the Prime Minister’s Indo-Pacific-focused trade envoys to ensure that other nations in the region are aware of the opportunities this offers?

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the supply chain. There is a strong read-across between the 4.5 version of the Typhoon and the GCAP, which will be important for our defence supply chain, particularly when it comes to combat aircraft. I note his pitch for a potential HQ and thank him publicly for his work in south-east Asia as one of the trade envoys.

  • Kevin Foster

    Question

    I join others in welcoming this treaty, not just in the defence sense but for the benefits it could bring to the south-west region. In light of recent incidents with North Korea and the rising threat of China, can my right hon. Friend say a bit more about how he sees this as part of our genuine commitment to stand with our allies if they come under threat?

    Minister reply

    We have a choice as a nation: we see an aggressive Russia invading its neighbour; China looking threateningly towards its neighbours; and it is important to understand the dynamics of North Korea, Iran, and what is happening in the middle east. We are living in a more contested and dangerous world, making preparing for the sixth-generation fighter combat aircraft more important than ever. This Government are entirely committed to securing our future and that of the global order.

Shadow Comment

John Healey

I thank the Defence Secretary for his statement and welcome the treaty signed last week. GCAP strengthens UK’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security, sharing concerns about China's military power with allies in east Asia and the Pacific. Developing a sixth-generation fighter ensures safeguarding UK skies and those of NATO allies. Treaty allows collaboration with other allies and export problems should not affect GCAP due to article 50 provisions. Defence Secretary confirmed funding for 2025-26 but National Audit Office reported a £17 billion black hole in defence plans, downgrading GCAP programme to red by IPA. Major issues led to the downgrade need addressing urgently. Key dates and actions required to keep the programme on time and in budget are critical: design locked down, national work shares settled, manufacturing agreements in place, first flight trials beginning.

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