Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 August 2026.

The UK and Australia are boosting cooperation on radar technology, as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP kicks off a visit to Indo-Pacific partners this week.

• New signing will see UK and Australian firms work together on cutting-edge radar systems, boosting growth across both countries’ defence industries.
• Work to build on UK-Australia defence partnership, already supporting tens of thousands of jobs in both countries through AUKUS. 
• Comes as Minister Luke Pollard kicks off a visit to Australia and New Zealand to strengthen defence and industrial partnerships. 

The statement of intent involving QinetiQ and CEA Technologies, signed today in Canberra, will see both UK and Australian governments and industry work together on advanced radar systems, known as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. 

The work builds on the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) agreement reached in June and will strengthen supply chains and open export opportunities for both nations’ defence industries. This advanced technology is supplied to the Australian Armed Forces and allows the UK Armed Forces to keep pace with the evolving operational environment.

At CEA Technologies, Minister Pollard and Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy welcomed the agreement and met with staff advancing radar technology.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: 

This radar agreement shows what our partnership with Australia delivers in practice: industry stepping up, technology for our Armed Forces, and trust between our nations deepening. 

Working in lockstep with Australia we can drive jobs and growth while reinforcing our collective security.

Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ, said:

QinetiQ’s unique expertise positions us as a strategic and trusted partner to the UK MOD and its allies. Current conflicts remind us of the importance of air defences which are increasingly under pressure and QinetiQ is proud to play a key role in bringing this vital technology to the UK. 

The signing forms part of a week-long visit by Minister Pollard to Australia and New Zealand, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to two of its closest defence partners in the Indo-Pacific. 

In Canberra, the Minister also met the Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, to strengthen UK-Australia cooperation on critical minerals, and the interim National Armaments Director, Nadine Williams, to advance shared defence capability and industrial collaboration. 

In Western Australia, Minister Pollard will visit Henderson Shipyard, where investment linked to AUKUS – the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – is already supporting skills development and industrial uplift. AUKUS is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs in Western Australia, with a further 10,000 in South Australia. 

Recent supply-chain initiatives are also generating work for 39 Australian companies, while Australian personnel are embedded across UK defence and industry organisations, supporting the delivery of the AUKUS partnership. 

AUKUS is also delivering for the UK, with more than 3,000 new jobs already created across key UK nuclear sites since July 2024. SSN-AUKUS submarine construction, expected to create more than 7,000 new jobs across the UK supply chain, helping to drive growth in every postcode in the UK. 

The Minister will travel to New Zealand later this week, where he will visit Devonport Naval Base in Auckland and meet defence industry leaders to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation on maritime capability. A prospective UK-New Zealand maritime partnership, including Babcock’s Type 31 Frigate offer, could deliver up to 1,000 jobs and NZ£300 million of investment into the New Zealand economy, as well as opportunities for UK industry.

The visit will also include further engagements with Australian and New Zealand government ministers and stops at defence industry sites, including Rocket Lab and SYOS Aerospace. 

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2026.

Royal Navy warships and helicopters spent 21 days on operations monitoring Russian activity in UK waters and the North Atlantic throughout July.

• Maritime operations to monitor Russian activity up 25% across the first seven months of the year.
• Royal Navy have deployed four warships and naval helicopters to protect UK waters during 21 days of intense operations.

Royal Navy warships and helicopters spent 21 days on operations monitoring Russian activity in UK waters and the North Atlantic throughout July – a 25% increase in the last year, new figures released today show.

HMS Somerset, HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn were all dispatched, alongside Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron and Merlin submarine hunting aircraft, to report on the movements of warships and submarines throughout July.

Russian frigate RFN Neustrashimy has repeatedly transited the UK’s area of responsibility to escort shadow fleet tankers within recognised traffic lanes, using up valuable operational capacity to constantly guard cargo.

Overall, Royal Navy activations to monitor Russian activity is up 25% across the first seven months of the year compared to 2025. It comes after the UK interdicted a sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker, Smyrtos, in the English Channel in June.

The UK is a leader in tackling the shadow fleet, having already sanctioned more than 500 vessels, and Russia’s oil and gas revenues falling by 24% year-on-year in 2025.

By disrupting the shadow fleet, the UK and international partners are directly bearing down on the resources sustaining Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and reducing its capacity to threaten security across Europe and beyond.

Portsmouth-based HMS Tyne was on duty when Neustrashimy carried out gunnery firings outside of UK and French territorial waters on July 20.

HMS Tyne moved to five nautical miles as the Russian warship fired her armaments, continuing to gather intelligence during the incident, observing the fall of shots fired from her weaponry, including around 20 different shots from main 100mm armament and 30mm battery.

Lieutenant Commander Sam Fields, Commanding Officer of HMS Tyne said:

Through sustained presence and close cooperation with allies, HMS Tyne was ideally suited to this task, providing reassurance and monitoring while enabling other Fleet units to continue their operational commitments.

For Type 23 frigate, HMS Somerset, her tasking was part of her four-month deployment monitoring surface and sub-surface activity in the North Atlantic, contributing to the UK’s standing operation to protect Britain’s nuclear deterrent and monitoring potential submarine activity.

The Plymouth-based warship – deployed with a powerful array of underwater sensors and with its embarked Merlin anti-submarine warfare helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron – returned home yesterday (Friday, 7 August) having sailed more than 24,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic.

HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Matt Millyard said:

This deployment demonstrates exactly what the Royal Navy exists to do, protect the UK and our allies from wherever our interests are threatened.

I am immensely proud of every single member of the ship’s company for what we have achieved over the past four months. Whether it’s tracking submarines, working alongside NATO allies and the Carrier Strike Group, or maintaining the ship at exceptionally high readiness for so long, their professionalism and spirit has been outstanding.

It is fantastic to bring the ship home after a highly successful deployment and reunite with our families.

Meanwhile, HMS Severn was twice activated in July to monitor Russian warships, shadowing RFN Admiral Grigorovich as the frigate sailed eastwards from the island of Ushant on the French coast to Dover.

Following that, the patrol ship was dispatched on a three-day mission (July 23-26) to intercept and shadow Neustrashimy, taking over monitoring duties in the North Sea from HMS Mersey.

Severn kept watch as Neustrashimy escorted shadow fleet tanker MV Vulkan from the Baltic, through the Dover Strait and towards Ushant.

Severn and Mersey then handed over again as Neustrashimy made a westward voyage towards Dover once she had completed escorting the Vulkan.

Lieutenant Commander Dom Jacobs, Executive Officer in Temporary Command of HMS Severn, said:

I’m really proud of my ship’s company’s ability to adapt quickly to changes of tasking from Fleet Ready Escort to our training output as the Fleet Navigation Training Ship.

This shows the versatility of my crew and the other OPVs to deliver a range of tasks demonstrating our continued relevance and operational value.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 7 August 2026.

Defence Secretary on his first visit to Scotland tours Babcock’s Rosyth facility and Service Family Accommodation in Edinburgh.

On his first visit to Scotland as Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting has today underlined the nation’s vital role in the UK’s defence. 

During the visit, Mr Streeting saw first-hand how UK defence investment is supporting national security, skilled jobs and service families, with nearly 12,000 jobs in Scotland supported by defence.

While in Rosyth, the Defence Secretary toured Babcock’s facility, where the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates are being built, meeting workers and apprentices supporting one of the UK’s major shipbuilding programmes.

The Type 31 programme sustains 2,500 skilled jobs across Scotland and the UK supply chain, including 400 apprenticeships established through partnerships with local colleges in Fife and across Scotland, supporting regional economic growth.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:

From the skilled workers and apprentices building the next generation of Royal Navy warships at Rosyth, to the service families who support our Armed Forces every day, Scotland sits at the heart of our national security.

It is inspiring to see proud heritage combining with modern technology to make our country fit for the future. That also presents huge opportunities for jobs and reindustrialisation.  

Alongside this, we are committed to delivering better homes for the personnel and families who serve our country.

The Defence Secretary also met Service Personnel and families in Edinburgh, visiting homes that have benefitted from refurbishment works, including a roofing project at Redford Gardens and homes undergoing full upgrades at Adams Well Estate.

The Government is undertaking a generational renewal of Armed Forces housing, backed by £9 billion over the next decade. This will see 40,000 military homes, 9 in 10 of the total estate, upgraded, modernised or rebuilt.

A new Defence Housing Service has also been established to put forces families first, meeting new, modern property standards and accelerating housing delivery on surplus defence land.

Scotland is at the heart of defending Britain, with nearly 10,000 Armed Forces personnel stationed there and key strategic bases playing an increasingly vital role in protecting the North Atlantic from Russian aggression. Typhoon fighter jets scramble from RAF Lossiemouth in response to potential threats, while HMNB Clyde is home to the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet. 

The visit underlines the Government’s commitment to making Defence an engine for growth, while renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve by improving the lived experience of Armed Forces personnel and their families.

As part of the Defence Investment Plan, the Government has confirmed £26 billion to modernise critical naval base infrastructure, including £15.1 billion to regenerate HMNB Clyde with world-class facilities to increase maintenance delivery, modern waterfront infrastructure, training facilities and new accommodation.

Harry Holt, CEO of Babcock International Group, said: 

A capable and adaptable Royal Navy fleet is essential to the security of the UK, NATO and our allies around the world, and we were delighted to welcome the Defence Secretary here to Rosyth to see first-hand the excellent progress being made on the Type 31 frigate programme.  

The defence industry makes a vital contribution to Scotland’s economy, sustaining thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships. Our workforce and operations at Rosyth are a clear demonstration of this, delivering sovereign capability, supporting economic growth, and contributing to UK reindustrialisation.  

We look forward to working with the Defence Secretary and the Ministry of Defence as they implement the Defence Investment Plan, further strengthening our sovereign and export capabilities and the defence of our nation.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 August 2026.

Britain will be better protected from undersea threats and hundreds of jobs will be secured through a new £135 million contract to maintain and repair Royal Navy torpedo weapons.

• Around 315 jobs across the UK, including highly skilled engineering roles, sustained by new £135 million contract. 
• BAE Systems will maintain and repair the Royal Navy’s Spearfish and Sting Ray torpedoes, keeping Britain’s underwater defences combat-ready. 
• Part of Government’s commitment to use defence spending to deliver jobs and opportunities for local communities across the UK. 

Britain will be better protected from undersea threats and hundreds of jobs will be secured through a new £135 million contract to maintain and repair Royal Navy torpedo weapons. 

Torpedoes are one of the Royal Navy’s most important tools for keeping the UK safe at sea. Without them, Britain’s ability to defend its waters, protect trade routes and maintain its nuclear deterrent would be at risk. The contract will ensure sailors and submariners always have reliable, battle-ready equipment when they need it. 

Awarded to BAE Systems, the Torpedo Repair and Maintenance (TRAM) contract directly supports 150 highly skilled engineering and technician jobs at the company. This includes 100 in Portsmouth and 50 more across Edinburgh, Chelmsford and near Glasgow, while a further 165 jobs are supported through BAE’s UK supply chain. 

The investment – part of the £298 billion over four years announced under the Defence Investment Plan – furthers the government’s commitment to using defence spending to drive economic growth in every postcode, creating well-paid, long-term jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering across the UK.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: 

This is defence spending doing exactly what it should – keeping our country safe while securing 315 skilled jobs and creating new opportunities across our country.

We are proud to be backing British jobs, British skills and British industry.

The three-year contract runs from July 2026 to June 2029. It covers the Spearfish and Sting Ray torpedoes used by submarines, surface warships and maritime patrol aircraft to protect UK waters.  

The contract bridges to a longer-term programme, WHITEHEAD2, which will deliver a modernised torpedo support solution from 2029 onwards, keeping the Royal Navy ahead of future threats.

Rear Admiral Matt Stratton, Royal Navy Director Naval Acquisition, said: 

This contract extension ensures the Royal Navy retains a safe, reliable and continuous torpedo support capability.  

It is a critical enabler of our operational readiness and directly supports the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent.

Richard Murray, Director Lethality and Protect, at the National Armaments Director Group – Materiel, said: 

This contract extension secures continued, reliable support to the UK’s torpedo capability.  

Bringing together the Navy, National Armaments Director Group and industry as a single team has delivered real, tangible results for UK defence.

Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime and Land Defence Solutions, said:  

Since 2019 we have delivered consistently high levels of torpedo availability for the UK Armed Forces, supporting both the successful entry into service of Spearfish and the ongoing operational readiness of Sting Ray.

As a trusted partner to UK Defence, we are proud to underpin the nation’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent and anti-submarine warfare capability through exceptional reliability, availability and performance.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 July 2026.

The UK will continue to be kept safe for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the next generation nuclear deterrent submarines.

• £8.4 billion government funding committed to drive forward construction of the Dreadnought Class submarines 
• around 47,000 jobs and over 6,000 suppliers across the UK supported by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 
• the programme to deliver the four new nuclear deterrent submarines is advancing at pace 
• significant step change in driving productivity and innovation to deliver faster and more efficiently 

The UK will continue to be kept safe around the clock for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the build of the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines, while backing British jobs. 

During a visit to BAE Systems (BAES) shipyard in Barrow, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was accompanied on the visit by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, announced that government funding worth around £8.4 billion has been committed to begin the fourth major production phase of the UK’s Dreadnought Class submarine programme. The Prime Minister highlighted the pace of progress in the build and the government’s enduring commitment to national security and economic growth. 

As part of this investment, a contract worth £5.9 billion has been agreed by the government and BAES, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) industry partner responsible for delivering submarine production from their shipyard in Barrow, the home of UK submarine building. Further investments will be committed to Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby and the wider supply chain across the UK. 

The DNE supports over 6,000 UK companies in the supply chain and backs around 47,000 UK jobs. The Dreadnought Delivery Phase 4 (DP4) investment underlines defence as an engine for growth and reinforces the work to modernise our nuclear capabilities and the facilities that deliver them as a truly national endeavour. 

DP4 will see HMS Dreadnought, the first of the four new nuclear deterrent submarines, complete its sea trials and be ready to enter service with the Royal Navy in the early 2030s. Boat two, HMS Valiant, will reach sea trials while boats three and four will achieve key construction milestones. 

This next phase looks to further enhance continual and sustained productivity growth in Barrow, where a 40% increase has been achieved over the last 3 years, and around 1,800 additional roles have been created under this government. 

Building on the Defence Industrial Strategy, making defence an engine for growth, the contracts for DP4 will continue to back UK business, lead in innovation and sustain a resilient UK industrial base. Utilising recent Single Source Contract Regulations changes, the BAES contract will incentivise faster and more efficient delivery with a focus on productivity and cost control, but only when agreed performance targets and programme outcomes are achieved. 

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said: 

“Our nuclear-armed submarines are essential to keeping the UK secure, acting as the ultimate deterrent to our adversaries in an increasingly dangerous world. 

“This milestone investment breathes new life into Barrow’s historic traditions and secures our commitment to deliver Dreadnought Class submarines by backing British industry. 

“Supporting thousands of skilled, local jobs, we are fusing Barrow’s proud heritage with modern technology to build our security for the future, supporting the next generation to keep our country safe as their parents and grandparents did.” 

The Dreadnought programme is supporting high-skilled employment across the UK, with significant opportunities for regions through the defence supply chain. The wider DNE’s demand for UK workforce is forecast to rise to approximately 65,000 by 2030. This growth is creating long-term opportunities for highly skilled jobs, including engineers, welders and apprentices, and for small and medium-sized enterprises. 

The North of England is a powerhouse of British industry and innovation, and remains central to the DNE, which supports around 15,000 jobs and more than 1,000 supply chain companies, and spent £3.4 billion in the region in the last financial year. 

Chief of Defence Nuclear, Maddy McTernan CB, said: 

“This investment builds on significant momentum in the Dreadnought programme and our partnership with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the extensive submarine supply chain. 

“This is a national endeavour that will deliver a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent for decades to come, providing the bedrock of the UK’s national security and the cornerstone of our commitment to NATO and global security.” 

This milestone demonstrates the UK’s continued commitment to delivering on the Strategic Defence Review and maintaining its nuclear deterrent under the nuclear triple lock: building four Dreadnought submarines in Barrow, sustaining the nuclear deterrent, and delivering future upgrades, including the replacement warhead. The significant DNE investment confirmed in the Defence Investment Plan reflects this unwavering commitment. 

The UK’s nuclear deterrent underpins the country’s contribution to NATO and Euro-Atlantic security, demonstrating to allies and adversaries alike that Britain’s deterrent remains credible, independent and enduring. 

This announcement highlights a programme delivering across multiple priorities: strengthening national security, supporting allies, transforming industrial performance, and driving economic growth across all parts of the UK.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 July 2026.

British soldiers will be better protected and more lethal on the battlefield as a new investment of up to £400 million will see the Army equipped with the latest spy drone technology.

• New Tekever AR5 surveillance drones chosen to keep British troops safe through round-the-clock intelligence gathering.
• Up to £400 million deal will support jobs at Tekever’s UK sites, bolstering Britain’s defence manufacturing base.
• Investment supports re-industrialisation of Britain, helping to strengthen national security and create growth across the UK.

British soldiers will be better protected and more lethal on the battlefield as a new investment of up to £400 million will see the Army equipped with the latest spy drone technology. 

The new drones will be able to carry up to 50kg in surveillance equipment, such as cameras and sensors, and can fly for longer than previous systems the Army has used, giving commanders real-time intelligence to protect troops and inform battlefield decisions.    

The initial order will be for six AR5 drones, with up to 24 delivered by 2029. 

The AR5 has been selected to replace the ageing Watchkeeper drones, under a deal worth up to £400 million over the next 10 years. The drone will be built in Tekever’s soon to be open Swindon manufacturing facility. 

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:

Proven in Ukraine and designed to protect British soldiers globally, we’ve chosen the UK-based Tekever AR5 drone to supply our personnel with kit that will keep them ahead of emerging threats.

This investment will support our troops on deployment, while driving re-industrialisation and backing British innovation.

Watchkeeper, in service since 2014, is reaching the end of its operational life. The new AR5 offers significantly improved endurance, sensor capability and reliability, ensuring that the Army maintains a battle-winning edge in surveillance and reconnaissance systems. The drone has been utilised by Ukraine’s Armed Forces on the battlefield, as they continue their fight against Russia’s unprovoked invasion. 

The full contract will sustain and create hundreds of jobs at Tekever’s UK sites, reinforcing defence’s important role in the UK’s growing defence and technology sector. It reflects this government’s commitment, driving defence as an engine for growth and supporting the reindustrialisation of industry in Britain. 

Tekever UK’s Managing Director Karl Brew said:

CORVUS represents a major step change in delivering cutting edge autonomy to the British Army. This isn’t about a platform, it’s about building and sustaining sovereign capability that stays one step ahead of our adversaries.

Through CORVUS, TEKEVER aims to create a new type of partnership between government and industry where we will ensure a constant cycle of capability evolution that delivers decisive advantage to our end users.

Subject to contract signature and final approvals, the new capability will begin entering service later this year, with support sustained for at least five years and options to extend.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 July 2026.

Thousands of British workers will accelerate development of advanced technologies for use by the Royal Air Force, following a £708 million investment announced today.

• Contract awarded to continue development of advanced air combat technology for UK Armed Forces.  
• More than 4,500 workers across the UK will develop cutting-edge defence technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced software. 
• A nationwide supply chain of around 600 British-based companies will benefit from the contract extension, which was announced as part of the Farnborough International Airshow.  

The contract extends the existing programme with BAE Systems, accelerating development of the advanced technologies needed for the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS). That technology includes pioneering dual-use capabilities, from first-in-the-UK digital engineering to artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as augmented reality, additive manufacturing, and robotics. 

The previous phase of investment delivered significant progress across the UK’s future combat air capability, including the expansion of digital engineering capabilities, development of critical physical infrastructure, and maturation of advanced technologies required for future combat air systems. 

In part, today’s contract will provide vital UK national infrastructure and technology as a critical contribution to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as well as supporting the UK’s wider future combat air system.   

The work will be led by BAE Systems, alongside Team Tempest partners Leonardo UK, MBDA UK and Rolls-Royce, with approximately 90% of the jobs based outside of London and the south-east. Around 600 companies and academic institutions across the UK form the programme’s supply chain, supporting thousands of skilled jobs and making defence an engine for growth. 

Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting MP said: 

This is a clear vote of confidence in British industry, and the thousands of highly skilled workers who are helping to keep our country safe.  

This investment in advanced combat air technology for the UK Armed Forces will strengthen our defence and deterrence and shows our clear commitment to backing British workers with our defence investment, creating jobs and supporting communities across the UK.

Simon Barnes, BAE Systems Group Managing Director said: 

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme represents the UK’s ambition to shape the future of combat air and secure a leading role in the technologies, skills and capabilities that will define air power for decades to come. This additional investment will enable us, as Team Tempest partners, to continue pushing the boundaries of digital engineering, advanced systems and next-generation combat air technologies, helping sustain the UK’s position at the forefront of combat air innovation.

The announcement follows the recently published Defence Investment Plan which confirmed that the UK would invest £8.6 billion into GCAP over the next four years. 

Since 2018, the UK Government has invested more than £5 billion across the FCAS programme.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is even stronger  as the UK, Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.

• Canada becomes the first Observer Nation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), founded by the UK, Italy  and Japan. 
• GCAP  is designing, developing  and building  the next generation of fighter  jet  to  support  national  security. 
• Ambitious  programme  supports  thousands of jobs in  the UK, with  over 600  companies up and down the country involved. 

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is  even  stronger  as the UK,  Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.   

GCAP  will  deliver a next generation combat  aircraft,  designed to  fight,  win  and keep the UK fit to face the future.

GCAP is part of the UK’s future combat air system  which already supports 4,500 jobs in the UK, with thousands more expected to be supported. Over 600 organisations up and down the UK are in the supply chain, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships and driving growth in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.   

Canada will gain direct insight into GCAP, including capability development, industrial  collaboration  and long-term delivery plans through structured engagement with partner nations. 

While  Canada  won’t  have a  decision-making role, the move gives them privileged  access to the  programme  and  paves the way for discussions on Canada’s future participation and contribution to GCAP.   

The announcement was made as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP hosted his Japanese, Italian and Canadian counterparts - Shinjirō Koizumi, Guido Crosetto, and David McGuinty  –  on his first day in post at Wellington Barracks in London.  

Prime Minister, Andy Burnham said:

As I said on the steps of Downing Street, we are going to honour our commitments on defence – and use that investment to transform people’s lives.

And we are going to work even more closely with our allies.

So today, we are not just recommitting to our state-of-the-art GCAP fighter programme – but I am delighted to announce that Canada will join the programme as the first Observer Nation.

GCAP is already one of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships – supporting 4,500 jobs across the UK. Today’s announcement makes it even stronger.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:  

The first duty of any government is to keep our country safe. That’s why I’m pushing this programme forward on my very first day in the job. GCAP continues to strengthen our security, drive technological innovation and create highly skilled jobs across the UK.    

We are proud to welcome Canada to this new phase of engagement and look forward to sharing expertise and  working on technological advances as we continue to deliver this groundbreaking programme.

Involvement in GCAP  will further  strengthen the UK’s defence cooperation with Canada, building on decades of close collaboration as  Five Eyes members  and NATO  Allies. 

GCAP  will deliver a sixth-generation  aircraft, designed to operate  alongside  capabilities including the F-35. It will  use  advanced autonomy, AI, uncrewed  systems and next-generation sensors to maintain  air superiority against  ever  evolving threats.   

This announcement comes  alongside an investment of £8.6 billion into  GCAP over four years as part of the Defence Investment Plan.  

Earlier this month,  the  UK,  Italy  and Japan  finalised a £4.6 billion contract with  Edgewing  -  the  industry joint venture  –  to  advance the next stage of the aircraft’s design by  establishing  its key requirements and rigorous testing.   

The work strengthens the UK’s sovereign industrial base, securing skilled good manufacturing jobs, and industries in Italy and Japan.    

GCAP brings together the industrial and technological strengths of all three nations, driving innovation and skills across key areas such as digital engineering, advanced propulsion, sensors  and data systems, delivering a highly capable future combat air system.   

Since its  inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits, demonstrating how trusted partners can work together to enhance interoperability, strengthen  security and deliver a world-leading future combat air capability.  

Canada’s Observer status  represents  a significant step in  GCAP  as  an open, scalable  and internationally relevant partnership, designed to meet the  threats of the future.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The Ministers of Italy, Japan and the UK welcomed Canada’s participation as an Observer, and all four Ministers welcomed the opportunities arising from this important development. This announcement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation among trusted, like-minded partners through the Programme.

Observer status will provide Canada with enhanced insight into GCAP and an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the Programme’s governance, capabilities and industrial framework, as well as the related security requirements and wider partnering opportunities.

For Italy, Japan and the UK, Canada’s involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions, thereby strengthening global security.

Since the Programme’s inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits. In a complex global security environment, Italy, Japan, and the UK have remained committed to engaging with trusted allies and partners to strengthen the Programme and maximise its long-term strategic impact.

As they begin this new phase of the Programme, the Ministers of Italy, Japan, and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to openness, collaboration with like-minded partners, and the delivery of a next-generation combat aircraft capable of meeting future security challenges.