Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
Maintain commitment to Global Combat Air Programme and provide longer-term funding for industry confidence.
Recommendation
The Government must continue its commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme as a conduit to build further on good relations with Japan, a key partner in the region. By recognising the power of such partnerships, and exploring where these can be grown, the UK is building a bedrock upon which greater trading ties can be created in the defence and other sectors. To sustain industry confidence, the Government must also provide longer-term funding commitments, moving beyond the current 12-month cycle, to give companies the certainty needed to scale their involvement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 34)
Government Response Summary
The government reaffirms its commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme and continued defence cooperation with Japan, highlighting ongoing annual steering panels. However, it only acknowledges the importance of stable funding without committing to the recommended longer-term funding cycles.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government remains committed to the successful delivery of the Global Combat Air Programme – highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review as an exemplar of successful capability collaboration - and outlining the importance of Japan as an essential partner for defence co-operation. The British and Japanese defence and trade ministries will continue to hold an annual steering panel to identify new collaborative activity, support industry-to- industry programmes, resolve barriers to international defence equipment co-operation and deepen trading ties. While recognising the importance of stable funding for industry, the resourcing of new programmes must not only be driven by partnership opportunities but also matching capability requirements and use cases.