Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Defence Update

09 December 2022 · Ministry of Defence

Proposed by Ben Wallace Con Wyre and Preston North

Defence

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • Mr Ben Wallace provides an update on the UK's Combat Air Strategy.
  • The UK, Japan, and Italy are forming a joint programme to develop Tempest.
  • The Tempest combat air system is set to enter service in 2035.

Issue summary

Mr Ben Wallace provides an update on the progress of the UK's Combat Air Strategy, focusing on international collaboration with Japan and Italy.

Action requested

The minister announces a joint programme partnership among the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop Tempest, a next-generation combat air system set to enter service in 2035. This initiative aims to enhance defence-industrial capabilities and support economic growth through job creation and R&D investment.

Key facts

  • The Prime Ministers of the UK, Japan, and Italy announced a joint programme partnership under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
  • Tempest will enter service in 2035.
  • GCAP merges Japan’s FX programme with the UK and Italy’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
  • The programme employs over 2,500 highly skilled personnel in the UK alone.
  • Key combat air hubs are located in the north-west and south-west of England and Edinburgh.
  • MOD and industry partners have invested over £1 billion in developing skills and technologies for Tempest.
  • Leading defence companies involved include BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce from the UK; MHI, IHI, MELCO from Japan; and Leonardo SpA., Avio Aero, MBDA IT, Elettronica from Italy.
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