Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Confidence in Japan and Italy's commitment and technical capabilities for Global Combat Air Programme
Conclusion
The Committee’s visits to Japan and Italy inspired great confidence in the commitment and capabilities of both our international partners. In particular, recognising that involvement in GCAP entails a significant step both politically and militarily for Japan, the Committee was impressed by the depth of the Japanese offer and the technical progress they have made to date. (Conclusion, Paragraph 15)
Government Response Summary
The government shares the committee’s positive assessment of Japan and Italy's commitment and capabilities, noting their extensive technological and industrial contributions and effective, existing relationships within the GCAP partnership.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Department shares the Committee’s assessment of the commitment and capabilities of our international partners. Both Japan and Italy have extensive technological and industrial capabilities, which informed the decision to form the GCAP partnership. Japan has invested heavily in combat air R&D and the UK and Italy have the shared experience of delivering advanced combat air capabilities through partnerships including joint work on Typhoon. The political, military and industrial relationships underpinning the programme have proven highly effective and we look forward to making further progress as we embark upon the next phase of the programme together.