LONDON, 3 April - The debate over whether the United Kingdom should invest in British-made Eurofighter Typhoons or American F-35 stealth jets has reached a critical juncture, with significant pressure mounting on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to prioritize domestic manufacturing. Labour’s largest union backer, Unite, has taken a firm stance, urging the government to opt for Typhoons to replace an aging fleet of Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft. This call comes amid a planned increase in defense spending, set to rise to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, which translates to an additional £6 billion after inflation. The decision carries profound implications not only for national security but also for the British economy, particularly in regions like the North West, where thousands of jobs hang in the balance.
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At the heart of Unite’s argument is the preservation of factory jobs at BAE Systems’ Warton plant in Lancashire, where Typhoons are assembled. Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, has warned that choosing the American-made F-35 over the Typhoon would be an “act of national self-harm.” She contends that an order for Typhoons would secure over 20,000 jobs across BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the broader UK supply chain for years, compared to just 2,000 jobs for a few months if the F-35 is selected. The Typhoon, a product of a European consortium involving BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo, represents a collaborative effort with manufacturing spread across the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In contrast, the F-35, produced by Lockheed Martin, is a cornerstone of American defense technology, with the UK already committed to purchasing 138 jets, though only 48 have been ordered so far, of which 37 have been delivered.
The economic stakes are high, but so are the strategic considerations. The Typhoon, a fourth-generation fighter, boasts impressive range, air defense capabilities, and the ability to carry both British and American weaponry, making it well-suited for policing NATO’s borders against potential Russian threats. Critics of the F-35 argue that its stealth design, while advanced, is optimized for shorter missions and could leave the UK overly reliant on American technology and cooperation—particularly concerning given uncertainties in U.S. foreign policy under a potential Trump administration. Graham has emphasized that abandoning Typhoon production could undermine the UK’s sovereignty and its ability to independently develop future combat aircraft, such as the Tempest, part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) slated for service in 2035.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has highlighted the F-35’s fifth-generation capabilities, noting its role alongside Typhoons in global operations. A Whitehall source recently clarified that no final decision has been made, despite earlier suggestions from Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle that the government might favor the “more capable” F-35. The MoD insists both aircraft are vital to UK defense, with Typhoon production potentially sustained through export orders to nations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. However, the UK has not placed a domestic Typhoon order since 2009, raising fears that production lines could soon halt without government intervention.Starmer faces a delicate balancing act. His pledge to translate defense spending into “British growth, British jobs, British skills, and British innovation” aligns with Unite’s push for Typhoons, yet the allure of the F-35’s cutting-edge technology and the UK’s deep involvement as a Tier 1 partner in its development complicates the choice. The upcoming Strategic Defense Review, due in spring 2025, will likely determine the outcome, but for now, the pressure is on to prioritize British industry and secure a legacy of self-reliance in an increasingly unstable world.