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Italy, Japan, UK Sign £686 Million GCAP Contract for Stealth Fighter

4/3/2026

Summary

Nations Sign GCAP Contract

Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom signed a £686 million Edgewing contract to continue Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) work for three months.
The contract emphasizes design and engineering to accelerate development of a next-generation stealth fighter.
The GCAP Agency says this is the first time an international prime contractor has won a GCAP contract.
The deal is intended to maintain momentum amid U.K. defense-budget uncertainties and preserve three-nation industrial cooperation.

Summary

GPs Reject Contract

The British Medical Association (BMA) ballot shows 98.9% of UK general practitioners voted against the proposed contract changes, reflecting dissatisfaction with pay and workload.
GPs warned they may take direct action if negotiations fail.
The changes would take effect in April 2026 and impose additional responsibilities without adequate support.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he is willing to negotiate if certain proposals are paused, and the BMA has set a deadline of April 30, 2026.

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Nations Sign GCAP Contract

Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom signed a £686 million Edgewing contract to continue Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) work for three months.
The contract emphasizes design and engineering to accelerate development of a next-generation stealth fighter.
The GCAP Agency says this is the first time an international prime contractor has won a GCAP contract.
The deal is intended to maintain momentum amid U.K. defense-budget uncertainties and preserve three-nation industrial cooperation.

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