Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:15:54-4:16:15

GCAP's large allocation catches up on earlier underfunding

A viewer asks why GCAP receives such a large four-year allocation compared with other programmes.

Combat AircraftDefence SpendingGlobal Combat Air ProgrammeItalyJapanRoyal Air Force
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Question

Why is the Global Combat Air Programme receiving so much money in this plan?

Short answer

It is interpreted as catching up on earlier British underfunding and reassuring Italy and Japan, with the caveat that it is probably still insufficient.

Notes

The £8.6 billion allocation is interpreted as an attempt to catch up after several years of British underfunding. It signals to Italy and Japan that the United Kingdom intends to contribute more reliably to the joint programme. A large current allocation therefore need not indicate surplus funding. Even this sum is considered probably insufficient.