SPEARCAP 3

Rating: 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

Source: NISTA Major Projects Annual Report 2025-26 (data)

Rating: Compared to the financial year 23/24 Q4, the NISTA Delivery confidence Assessment rating remained at Red. This is primarily due to the following factors: The integration of the missile onto F35B is almost exclusively dependent on the schedule of the aircraft production and subsequent delivery into service. As the integration timeline is currently uncertain it is prudent to reflect this in continued Reduced delivery confidence. However, there was a successful guided firing trial of the missile in November 2024

Schedule: Section 27 - International relations

Cost: Section 43 - Commercial interests

Source: NISTA Annual Report 2024-25 (data)

Rating: Compared to financial year 22/23-Q4, the Infrastructure and Project Authority's Delivery Confidence Assessment rating at 23/24-Q4 remained at Red. This is primarily due to the following factors. Compounded delays and issues have led to a requirement to re-baseline the programme. There are challenges with resourcing sufficient suitably qualified and experienced people across defence, the programme and delivery teams; and within industry. Programme governance and the availability management information is also being refreshed alongside a plan to improve Programme performance. Opportunities to spiral capability developments to ensure capability is delivered at the earliest opportunity are being considered by the SRO.

Schedule: Compared to financial year 22/23-Q4, the project's end-date at 23/24-Q4 decreased from 2047-12-31 to 2030-12-31. This is primarily due to the following factors. The previous programme end date provided was the Out of Service date, but now reflects the date at which the capability has been delivered and the programme team will no longer be required. The programme is currently undergoing a rebaselining which may further affect the programme end date.

Cost: Exempt under Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (Commercial Interests) - Commercial interests.

Source: IPA Annual Report 2023-24 (data)