A project to build the next generation of fighter jets has just been set up in Reading.
The Global Combat Aircraft Programme (GCAP) is a collaboration between the British, Italian and Japanese governments to deliver the Tempest fighter jet project.
Tempest, which is set to carry the most advanced weaponry and technology, is being developed by the UK’s BAE Systems, Leonardo from Italy and the Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company.
The headquarters of GCAP were officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Maria Eagle, the Minister for Defence Procurement at 350 Brook Drive, Green Park.
When asked what benefits the HQ will bring to Reading, Ms Eagle said: “There will be about 100 local jobs here, which is an immediate benefit, and of course, as the programme goes on, there may be other opportunities that arise that people from here can take advantage of.
“It’s a really great place for us to set up, you’re right in the centre of Italy, Japan and the UK, I’d say.”
She added that Tempest will be used to counter new and emerging threats.
It was not made explicitly clear what these threats would be, but Tempest could be used against the armed forces of Russia in Europe and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force of the People’s Republic of China.
The next-gen fighter could be used by arms-length allies such as Ukraine, or directly by British Air Forces for defence and NATO operations.
Meanwhile, Japan is increasingly being seen as a strategic partner in the Asia Pacific. Although Article 9 of the Japanese constitution prohibits the maintenance of military forces, there are discussions in the country to drop this Article to enable it to counter possible threats by an axis of China, Russia and North Korea.
The opening of GCAP in Reading followed a report that production of the Eurofighter Typhoon in Warton, Lancashire, has “ground to a halt” due to a lack of new orders.
The Typhoon is a joint venture project between BAE, Airbus and Leonardo. The Tempest is being created to replace the Typhoon.
This news was reported in a Financial Times article published on Sunday, July 6, the day before the opening of the GCAP HQ in Reading.
During her visit, Ms Eagle said Tempest could be completed by 2035.
The HQ was opened on Monday, July 7. Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles (Labour, Whitley) the Mayor of Reading and Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley attended the ceremony.
The facility in Reading could be targeted by protestors due to partnerships between the British and Israeli governments.
Two protestors were arrested for blocking the entrance of defence company Elbit Systems in Bristol on Tuesday, July 1, and four people have been charged for allegedly breaking into the RAF Brize Norton air base in Oxfordshire.
