GCAP green light boosts Lancashire defence sector

The government has announced its commitment to the sixth generation fighter jet programme seen as vital to thousands of Lancashire defence jobs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced its £15 billion investment plan to fund key equipment and technology yesterday.

One of the highlights was that the UK would be investing £8.6bn ⁠into the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) programme in the next four years.

The government’s commitment to the £24bn sixth generation stealth jet project is welcome news for Lancashire’s defence sector.

There are 4,500 workers across defence giants BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Leonardo currently working on the project in Britain, many of them in the county.

A lot of the early work has been taking place at BAE Systems’ plants at Warton and Samlesbury.

The design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator (CAFD) – a crucial part of the project - was unveiled last summer and it is now in final assembly in Lancashire.

The demonstrator is expected to fly by the end of 2027 with the GCAP programme targeting a 2035 entry into service.

It was also announced in the Defence Investment Plan that a £1.1bn package of new investment was been created to upgrade the Typhoon force into 2040s.

BAE Systems business employs more than 10,000 people at our sites in Warton and Samlesbury and the Eurofighter Typhoon is manufactured in Samlesbury with engineer and flight testing undertaken at Warton.

Simon Barnes, group managing director BAE Systems Air, said: “We welcome the publication of the UK Government’s Defence Investment Plan and the clarity it provides for our people, supply chain and partners.

“Continued investment in onshore skills and advanced technologies across crewed and uncrewed combat air systems is essential to preserving the specialist expertise required for national defence in an increasingly uncertain world.

“The commitment to upgrade Typhoon aircraft and investment in the Global Combat Air Programme; a vital long-term partnership between the UK, Italy and Japan, will support significant economic growth across the UK, including here in the North West.

“Our people are proud to play their part in supporting the Royal Air Force and its allies; strengthening our national security, and creating a positive impact on or communities, supply chains, and the economy.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: ”This record investment puts the security of the British public first, transforming our Armed Forces and giving them the funding and equipment they need to fight and defend our nation.

“The world is a more dangerous and volatile place, so it is only right we are boosting the number of troops on the ground, rebuilding ammunition stockpiles and investing in cutting edge technology to ensure we outpace our adversaries for generations to come.

“Every pound in this plan will work twice, delivering economic growth and opportunity for the British people, and supporting more than half a million jobs by the end of the decade, as well as reinforcing our national security.”

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said: “I know first-hand the importance of our Armed Forces having the kit and technology they need to do the difficult job we ask of them.

“I have secured more money and made different choices for defence.

“We will invest £298bn in the next four years. That includes an additional £15bn, of which most is extra day-to-day spending for training and improving availability of ships and aircraft to increase our war-fighting readiness.

“By choosing to embrace new technology, I am equipping our troops with the autonomous systems which will give them the edge on the battlefield.

“This extra money and these choices send a clear signal to our allies and our adversaries alike: Britain is stepping up on security.”