Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2025 to Question 34360 on Defence Equipment: Procurement, what discussions he has had with his (a) Italian and (b) Japanese counterpart on the inclusion of the Aermacchi M-346 fast jet trainer in the Global Combat Air Programme.

The Royal Air Force continuously researches and assesses options for the sustainment, enhancement and development of hardware and systems to maintain competitive advantage within the flying training system. The Aermacchi M346 fast jet trainer is one of several market options available but no formal market engagement has been conducted.

No formal discussions have been held on training aircraft in the Global Combat Air Programme and for the UK no decisions have been taken on the replacement for the Hawk T2 aircraft which has a planned Out of Service date of 2040.