Written question asked by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 February 2024 (named day). It was answered by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 February 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Future Combat Air System: Procurement

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 37 of the National Audit Office's report entitled The Equipment Plan 2023-2033, HC 315, published on 4 December 2023, what steps he is taking to improve the red rating from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority of the Future Combat Air System.

Answer: The current Future Combat Air System (FCAS) IPA rating reflects the early stage of this programme and the scale and complexity involved in the successful long-term delivery of a 6th generation fighter jet with ground-breaking technologies. The IPA recommendations have been accepted in full, and we have set out a clear roadmap with stakeholders to tackle the challenges identified within the report. FCAS is a ‘Tier A Active Programme’ for the IPA, meaning we are receiving direct support and have regular scrutiny and reporting requirements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12265
Session: 2023-24
Related items: Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Defence: The Equipment Plan 2023–2033
Thursday, 30 November 2023
House of Commons papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Procurement Future combat air system
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk