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UK Defence Spending and the Future of the RAF Fighter Fleet

Recently, Keir Starmer addressed parliament, announcing a substantial commitment to increase UK defence spending by £13.4 billion starting in 2027, aiming for an allocation of 3% of GDP in the next parliament. This investment is deemed crucial for reinforcing the nation’s defence capabilities. The House of Lords defence committee has cautioned that years of inadequate funding have left vulnerabilities in the UK’s defence structure, particularly in air defence, which could jeopardize national security.

The Prime Minister has further stated that the additional defence spending will translate into enhanced British growth, job creation, development of skills, and innovation. The 70,000 members of the Unite union employed in UK defence industries will undoubtedly hold the government accountable for these promises.

Replacing the RAF Fighter Jets

The first significant challenge to this commitment will be the replacement of the UK’s aging RAF fighter jets. Currently, the Royal Air Force operates 24 T1 Eurofighter Typhoons that are due for replacement. A logical course of action would be to order two new squadrons of the upgraded T5 Typhoons, a move already made by the UK’s partners in the Eurofighter consortium, including Germany, Italy, and Spain.

However, reports suggest a potential shift towards procuring American-made F-35 jets instead. While these aircraft are already in use by the Royal Navy on its carriers, transitioning from British Typhoons to American F-35s contradicts the Prime Minister’s promises regarding British job security and skill retention.

Job Security and Economic Impact

Research by Unite indicates that ordering 24 F-35s would yield minimal work—just two to three months for approximately 2,000 workers in the UK. In stark contrast, a similar order of 24 Typhoons would secure over 20,000 jobs for an extended period across British companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and Leonardo, as well as the wider UK supply chain.

The implications extend beyond immediate job security. The UK currently possesses the know-how to independently develop, deploy, and operate its fighter jets. Through the global combat air programme (GCAP), the UK aims to maintain this capacity long-term. The project includes producing the next-generation fighter known as Tempest, in collaboration with partners like Italy and Japan.

The House of Commons defence committee recently reiterated the importance of retaining the current Typhoon manufacturing workforce until the Tempest enters service, slated for 2035. Without additional Typhoon orders to sustain production in the interim, the UK risks losing critical skills and capabilities.

Strategic Considerations

The UK possesses rare expertise in the assembly of advanced fighter jets at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce specializes in manufacturing military jet engine afterburners. To preserve these essential skills and the military capabilities they support, a new order of Typhoons is urgently needed. Failure to act could lead to the loss of these jobs and endanger national sovereignty over air defence.

Moreover, the argument that the F-35 is superior to the Typhoon is not convincingly substantiated. The Typhoon offers better range, superior air defence capabilities, and compatibility with both British and American munitions. For NATO operations, particularly in countering potential Russian aggression, the Typhoon is better suited than the F-35, which is designed primarily as a stealth platform for short-range missions.

The dependence on American technology poses strategic risks. With shifting American political dynamics, exemplified by President Trump’s overtures for reconciliation with Russia regarding Ukraine, the UK’s reliance on the US could leave it vulnerable. There may come a day when the US could deny the UK access to crucial data needed for operational readiness with F-35s, effectively locking the UK out of its own defence capabilities.

As the Labour government prepares to conduct a strategic defence review, the imperative to replace the RAF fighter fleet with new Typhoons must be prioritized. Opting for American F-35s would jeopardize thousands of jobs, weaken national security, and potentially derail the government’s previous commitments, marking a significant misstep in future defence policy.

Source
www.theguardian.com