Defence Committee closes evidence on Future Aviation Capabilities with MOD procurement minister and senior military officials
The Commons Defence Committee concludes oral evidence in its inquiry into the future of the UK’s aviation defence capabilities, following its previous inquiry into aviation procurement.
Meeting details
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has the potential to be one of the most important defence programmes of the next decade for the UK, but key decisions on the workshare across the three countries involved – the UK, Italy and Japan – are yet to be confirmed.
Questioning in this final session is likely to cover practical, logistical and technical elements of the programme, including funding structures, the integration of uncrewed aircraft, and the role of new technologies including AI.
Recruiting, training and retaining a skilled workforce to deliver GCAP has been identified as a significant challenge.
The Committee also explores other Ministry of Defence procurements including plans for the replacement of the Hawk advanced jet trainer, ongoing delays to the New Medium-Lift Helicopter competition, and the purchase of additional Chinook helicopters from the US.