Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Paragraph: 27
The UK clearly has some difficult decisions to make about investments in the modernisation of...
Conclusion
The UK clearly has some difficult decisions to make about investments in the modernisation of capabilities as a result of current levels of inflation and unfavourable foreign exchange rates. Whilst it is vital to maintain some sort of technology sharing with the US, UK efforts to develop innovative technological solutions with allies should also look wider afield.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the UK values its capability partnership with the US highly but also continues to pursue capability programmes with different partners and allies across the globe, and that working alongside and being interoperable with our allies and partners, especially NATO, remains an essential element of delivering Defence outcomes and of our capability development.
Paragraph Reference:
27
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The UK values its capability partnership with the US highly, with several bilateral and multilateral capability programmes aimed to modernise and integrate our armed forces and jointly tackle shared threats across the globe. The UK will also continue to pursue bilateral and multilateral capability programmes with different partners and allies across the globe in line with the objectives set out in current Government strategy. Notable examples include the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which sees UK working with Italy and Japan to develop the next generation fighter demonstration aircraft; AUKUS is where we are working jointly with US and Australia to develop cutting edge military capability; and the commitments made during the recent UK-France Summit to jointly develop future complex weapons systems, with the specific goal of delivering a future cruise capability in 2030. This Government is clear in the UK’s ambition to work with a range of partners in developing our armed forces’ capability. Working alongside and being interoperable with our allies and partners, especially NATO, remains an essential element of delivering Defence outcomes and of our capability development. The Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and the 2021 Defence Command Paper outline the UK’s commitment to deepen relationships with a wide range of actors across the Indo-Pacific, Gulf, Africa, and beyond, seeking to build long-term ties across our shared interests, and looking for new opportunities to collaborate across a broader range of issues. In parallel, the Defence Capability Framework’s core principle is to be allied by design when developing future military capability, ensuring we work with a range of partners and allies from the earliest stages, enhancing interoperability and the potential for export opportunities. Special relationships? US, UK and NATO: Government Response 3