SPEARCAP 3

Military Capability

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: Not disclosed
Published schedule: 30/09/2020 – 31/12/2047
NISTA delivery confidence: Not disclosed
Senior responsible owner: Spencer "Josh" Fortune

What the project is for

This programme aims to achieve delivery and integration of Spear Cap 3, which will deliver the principal air-to-ground weapon for UK F-35 and is critical to the aircraft's Attack and Control of the Air capabilities in contested environments.

Departmental delivery commentary

Compared to financial year 24/25 Q4, the NISTA/SRO Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating at 25/26 Q4 remained at Red. This is primarily due to the following factors. 1. Owing to compounded delays and the requirement to fully re-baseline the programme. 2. Dependencies on the reprofiled F-35B integration timeline, along with ongoing challenges in equipment programme maturity and resourcing remain key factors. 3. A Review Note detailing the re-baseline requirements, when approved, will give rise to a more definitive delivery confidence assessment.

Schedule

Exempt under Section 27 - International relations

Cost

Exempt under Section 43 - Commercial interests

Benefits

Compared to financial year 2024/25-Q4, the project's departmental-agreed monetised benefits at 2025/26-Q4 remained at £0m.