The new UK government has postponed a decision on a safety review of the GCAP fighter programme

The UK’s new Labor government has decided not to make a firm long-term commitment to the Global Next Generation Fighter Jet Program (GCAP). During the Global Air Commanders’ Conference, UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard stressed the importance of the plan, but highlighted that it was not appropriate to present the results of the strategic review.

Officially commissioned by Labor leader Keir Starmer, the SDR aims to outline the UK’s strategic priorities, procurement changes and contract reforms expected to be delivered in the first half of 2025. However, Labour’s reluctance to discuss GCAP contrasts with public support for AUKUS. , which will build nuclear submarines for Australia.

The economic sustainability of GCAP has been questioned, especially after the US Air Force reconsidered the future of its own Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative. Some analysts and European leaders predict a possible war with Russia in the next three to five years, which could significantly affect the GCAP.

Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute said the GCAP would be unfeasible if war broke out in Europe within the next five years due to the collapse of the global economy. He highlighted that the US Air Force is already facing financial problems with NGAD, and this should be a warning sign to Europe.

Other analysts are less skeptical about the potential impact of canceling NGAD on GCAP, noting that the two programs have very different budgets. Pollard reinforced the need for cutting-edge skills and the importance of working with international partners to acquire high-tech systems in a cost-effective manner.

A senior RAF spokesman, who did not want to be named, was not surprised by Pollard’s stance. He noted that investment in GCAP will account for one-fourth of the Army’s equipment procurement program over the next 10 years.

The previous Conservative government committed £2 billion to GCAP by 2025 and a total of £12 billion. It remains unclear whether Labor will maintain this level of funding. The RAF needs a replacement for the Eurofighter Typhoon before 2037, in the meantime prioritizing autonomous systems, digital manufacturing and artificial environment technologies.

The GCAP, launched in December 2022, aims to replace the Italian Eurofighter Typhoons and Japanese F-2s. The UK Ministry of Defense said the GCAP main design would be capable of flying on loyal or auxiliary wingman platforms with advanced sensors, sophisticated weapons and innovative data systems.

Evidence: Break protection