BAE Systems Tempest

Tempest
BAE Systems conceptual illustration
Role Sixth-generation fighter
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Introduction Planned for 2035
Status Merged into Global Combat Air Programme[1]

The BAE Systems Tempest is a proposed sixth-generation fighter aircraft that is under development in the United Kingdom for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The aircraft is intended to enter service from 2035, gradually replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon. It is being developed as part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme by a consortium known as Team Tempest, which includes the Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, and MBDA UK. £2 billion is planned to be spent by the British government on the initial phase of the project up to 2025.[2]

Both Italy and Sweden signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2020 committing to explore collaboration on the FCAS programme.[3] The UK and Japan announced they are working together on the joint development of engine and radar demonstrators. This was followed by an announcement in December 2022 of the Global Combat Air Programme; a collaboration between Italy, Japan and the UK for a sixth-generation fighter aircraft.[4] The Sunak ministry engaged in productive and positive "initial conversations" with Saudi Arabia about their desire to join the programme.[5]

  1. ^ Kelly, Tim. Sandle, Paul. and Kubo, Nobuhiro. (9 December 2022). "Japan, Britain and Italy to build jet fighter together". Reuters. Retrieved 11 January 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Defence in a Competitive Age (PDF). Ministry of Defence. March 2021. ISBN 978-1-5286-2462-6. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  3. ^ Peruzzi, Luca (3 January 2021). "Italy, UK and Sweden sign MoU on development of Tempest". Janes. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  4. ^ Chuter, Andrew (9 December 2022). "Move over, Tempest: Japan pact takes UK-Italy fighter plan 'global'". Defense News. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  5. ^ PoliticsJOE (24 July 2024). HIGHLIGHTS: Starmer faces down Sunak at his first PMQs as Prime Minister #PMQs. Retrieved 24 July 2024 – via YouTube.