ASIM, sep 26
Maria Eagle, the Minister of State for Defence, has reiterated the UK government’s commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). In response to a question from Conservative MP James Cartlidge regarding spending deferrals for the Future Combat Air System and GCAP, Eagle confirmed that the UK plans to invest over £1.31 billion in these initiatives for the current financial year. Additionally, she highlighted that over 3,500 personnel are directly involved in GCAP across the Ministry of Defence and key industry partners, such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, supported by numerous SMEs and academic institutions throughout the UK.
Eagle’s statements followed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent emphasis on the importance of GCAP during his talks with Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. Starmer reiterated that GCAP is crucial for national security and strategic defense, stating it was a recurring topic during their discussions. Both leaders acknowledged the significance of their collaborative defense programs, including GCAP, in strengthening their national security interests and enhancing their defense industrial capabilities.
