The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has granted a contract extension valued at £656 million to BAE Systems to advance the design and technology of the upcoming generation combat aircraft, referred to as Tempest in the UK. This fresh infusion of capital will amplify the innovative science, research, and engineering already accomplished during the first phase of the contract by UK Tempest collaborators BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, and Rolls-Royce. The UK Tempest partners, in tight coordination with the MoD, will now push forward the development of over 60 state-of-the-art technology displays, digital models, and emerging technologies. These are essential for the UK’s independent defence capability and will influence the final stipulations – along with the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) partners in Japan and Italy – for the combat air platform, scheduled to join the Royal Air Force by 2035. The aircraft is envisioned to be a trailblazing stealth fighter with supersonic speed, outfitted with the most advanced technologies, including cutting-edge sensing and protection capabilities.

“This contract mirrors the sustained dedication by the UK Government and guarantees we keep refining this substantial programme and the crucial technology pipeline that will push innovation into – and beyond – the combat air sector for future generations. This significant work forms the foundation of the newly constituted Global Combat Air Programme; a grand international collaboration and ambitious effort between the UK, Japan, and Italy with a common objective to deliver the next iteration of combat air fighter jets,” Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems – BAE Systems Air Sector stated.

“The subsequent portion of funding for future combat air will aid in integrating the combined technologies and expertise we share with our international allies – both in Europe and the Pacific – to introduce this world-class fighter jet by 2035, safeguarding our airspace for the forthcoming decades,” Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence, announced.

“Today, in accordance with our plans, the UK MOD is allocating the next segment of funding for future combat air. This signifies that the UK is dedicated to cooperating with international partners to produce a next-generation fighter jet for 2035. We are confronting a rising menace from our opponents, who are investing in combat air and their own air defences,” Richard Berthon, MOD Director Future Combat Air, articulated.

GCAP capitalizes on the significant headway already made in the UK by BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce, and the UK MoD, who have collaborated since 2018 to study, assess, and develop a myriad of next-generation future combat air systems capabilities. The programme will span several decades, generating thousands of jobs and economic worth to the UK, Italy, and Japan while preserving critical sovereign skills for the three nations. The programme is encouraging current and future generations to contribute to this crucial international effort. Over 2,800 individuals are already employed at the UK partners and the broader industry, with nearly 600 organizations contracted, including SMEs and academic institutions. Across the UK industry, work on this programme is fuelling investment in new digital technologies, tools, and methodologies, including model-based systems engineering with open architectures, digital twins, and virtual environments. This will ensure that the next-generation combat aircraft is delivered more swiftly and more economically than previous combat air programmes.