cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/5470907

Experts have urged that the United Kingdom’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) receive full and sustained funding to meet emerging security threats posed by increasing military cooperation between Russia and China, according to the UK Defence Journal.

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Dr. Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute described the next decade as “an acute period of risk,” citing Russia’s ongoing military buildup despite its heavy losses in Ukraine. He said European states need to strengthen ammunition supplies and airpower capabilities to avoid dependence on US intervention during potential future crises.

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He also pointed to Japan’s central role in developing GCAP’s advanced features, given its proximity to China … adding that Chinese weapons and sensors are likely to appear in Russian forces by the time GCAP’s Tempest fighter enters service in the 2030s and 2040s.

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Bronk cautioned that conflicts involving Russia or China could trigger simultaneous crises … “If war breaks out between Russia and NATO, the Chinese might decide that they will never get a better chance to go for Taiwan.”

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