Lancaster House 2.0 to see France, UK jointly boost combat aviation capabilities

A French Air and Space Force A400M. One of the more intriguing aspects of Lancaster House 2.0 is the proposal by France and the UK to jointly develop new multimission capabilities for the airlifter, including potentially a strike capability. (Janes/Sam Wise)

The Lancaster House 2.0 agreement signed by the leaders of France and the UK will see both countries work together to boost their respective combat aviation capabilities.

Following 15 years after the original Lancaster House Treaties that formalised bilateral defence co-operation between France and the UK in 2010, Lancaster House 2.0, signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 10 July, will see their two countries work to develop a raft of improved capabilities across the field of aircraft and air-launched missiles.

“The UK and France share the same understanding of the threats we face,” the British government said. “It is in this context that we … have decided to reboot, modernise, and build upon our bilateral defence and security relationship, including under the Lancaster House Treaties, in order to effect a generational shift in both our bilateral co-operation and our joint contribution to the defence of Europe, its citizens, and of its interests.”