UK updates GCAP export licence, launches new defence de-minimis licence
The UK’s Export Control Joint Unit expanded simplified licensing for the Global Combat Air Programme and certain British content in multinational defense systems, while retaining registration and license-condition requirements. The evidence does not specify an effective date.
LONDON, September 9, 2026 — The UK Export Control Joint Unit has updated its Open General Licence for the Global Combat Air Programme and introduced a new Open General Export Licence supporting the Agreement on Defence Export Controls.
The revised GCAP licence supports the next phase of the fighter aircraft programme involving Britain, Japan and Italy. It adds designated supply-chain nations, permits certain authorised activities involving observer nations and updates programme terminology. The previous licence, issued in August 2024, has been revoked and replaced, although existing exporter registrations remain valid.
Subject to its conditions, the licence permits exports and transfers of specified military and dual-use goods, software and technology required for GCAP development, production, testing, support, use and eventual disposal or decommissioning.
Separately, the ECJU introduced an OGEL implementing the de-minimis provisions of Article 3 of the Defence Export Controls Agreement between Britain, France, Germany and Spain. The arrangement applies when UK-origin goods, software or technology account for no more than 20% of the value of the final system into which they are incorporated.
The licence allows qualifying controlled military items to be supplied to France, Germany or Spain for integration into a final system that may subsequently be exported from one of those countries to destinations not excluded under the licence.
Exporters must register through the UK government’s SPIRE licensing system before using either licence and comply with applicable record-keeping and inspection requirements. Relevant exporters are also required to use their assigned open-licence reference in the Customs Declaration Service as the government expands reporting requirements for open licences.
The measures are intended to simplify licensing for multinational defence programmes while retaining UK export-control restrictions and compliance conditions.
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