Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Sustain empowerment of Global Combat Air Programme delivery structures to ensure timely decision-making
Conclusion
Given the ambitious timescales for GCAP, its delivery structures at the Governmental and industrial levels will need to be sufficiently empowered to take timely and binding decisions as the programme progresses. A repeat of the structural failings which contributed to unnecessary delay and cost on the Eurofighter Typhoon would place the programme in jeopardy. We are encouraged that this imperative has been recognised by both the MOD and industry. It was clear from our visit to Italy that they, having also 29 experienced the delays that had been caused on Typhoon, had drawn the same conclusions—and meeting the 2035 target date is critical for Japan. This early commitment to empowering GCAP’s delivery organisations must be sustained throughout the programme’s development if it is to succeed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 29)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that an empowered joint delivery organisation is essential, noting the recently ratified Treaty for the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) provides this framework, and all partners are committed to implementing its spirit of empowerment.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Department and our international partners have actively learned from previous programmes and agree that an empowered joint delivery organisation will be essential to the successful and timely delivery of the programme. The Treaty underpinning the establishment of the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO),1 which was ratified by all three partners in 2024, lays the framework for an empowered international organisation that can plan and deliver the programme effectively, with decisions made quickly and at the appropriate level. All three countries are committed to ensuring that this spirit of empowerment is implemented as we progress the establishment of the GIGO, while ensuring avenues exist to effectively engage home governments in a coordinated and effective way when required.