DATA & FIGURES
The contract is worth £4.6 billion ($6.1 billion), and will be completed over an 18-month period. The U.K.'s defense investment plan has committed £8.6 billion ($11.4 billion) to the GCAP program over four years. A previous stop-gap contract worth £686 million was awarded to keep work going until June 30.
THE SCENARIO
The GCAP program is a tri-nation alliance between Japan, Italy, and the U.K. to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. The program has been delayed due to funding issues, but the awarding of the £4.6 billion contract marks a significant step forward. The contract will enable the completion of the advanced concept and assessment phase of the program, and further joint detailed design and development.
DIRECT QUOTE
"This milestone strengthens our partnership with international allies, supports thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK, and will give the RAF the tools they need to keep the UK safe, all backed by an £8.6 billion commitment in the defense investment plan." — Luke Pollard, U.K. Defense Procurement Minister
BBN INSIGHT
The GCAP program has significant implications for global defense and the development of next-generation fighter jets. The contract awarding marks a major step forward for the program, and demonstrates the commitment of the tri-nation alliance to delivering a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. The Positive Side: The contract will support thousands of highly skilled jobs across the U.K. and strengthen the partnership between Japan, Italy, and the U.K. The Negative Side: The program has been delayed due to funding issues, and there are risks associated with the development of complex defense projects.