Labour was accused of “bottling” tough decisions on defence spending last night amid claims that Britain’s next-generation fighter jet programme could be delayed by several years.
The Government says it remains committed to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint project with Japan and Italy to develop the Tempest fighter aircraft, which is intended to replace the RAF’s Typhoon fleet. However, reports suggest funding decisions could be pushed back until the mid-2030s, raising concerns that the aircraft may not enter service until the late 2030s or even the 2040s.
Leading criticism of the apparent delay, James Cartlidge, the Shadow Defence Secretary, warned Labour was moving too slowly at a time of growing international threats.
Mr Cartlidge said: “With the threats we face and war on two fronts, Labour needs to be accelerating programmes that will make us safer, not deliberately delaying them for years.”
The Conservatives said any further hold-up to the Typhoon replacement programme could have serious consequences for Britain’s security and its international partnerships.
Mr Cartlidge said the consequences of more delays “could be dire” for the RAF and Britain’s close allies.
“This news suggests Starmer is willing to kick our next generation fighter programme into the long grass, even if this damages our allies and our own ability to defend ourselves,” he said.
“This can only mean one thing, Labour have once again bottled taking the tough decisions to fund defence, and are effectively cutting capabilities to find cash when they should be cutting welfare.”
The Tempest programme is expected to cost more than £12 billion and forms a central part of plans for a “next-generation” Royal Air Force. Britain currently operates more than 100 Typhoon aircraft, which are scheduled to leave service by 2040. The new fighter is intended to become the RAF’s primary combat aircraft.
An interim £686 million development contract between Britain, Italy and Japan was signed in April, but a longer-term agreement has yet to be finalised amid uncertainty over the Government’s delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP).
The Defence Investment Plan has been repeatedly delayed amid discussions between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury over funding levels and how additional spending should be financed.
Critics argue the delays risk undermining Britain’s military readiness at a time of heightened global instability.
Retired Army officer Colonel Richard Kemp said Labour ministers had failed to match their rhetoric on defence with sufficient financial backing, while retired Major General Timothy Cross criticised the tendency to postpone difficult decisions.
The Government is expected to publish the Defence Investment Plan ahead of the Nato summit in July. Defence Secretary John Healey is also expected to announce measures including an expansion of Army reserves and reductions in Ministry of Defence civil service costs.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The UK remains committed to the Global Combat Air Programme, working closely with our international partners to deliver a next-generation combat air capability.
“Our focus is on continuing to work closely with Italy and Japan on the next steps towards the full international contract. We are working to finalise the Defence Investment Plan and will publish it as soon as possible.”
