The United Kingdom has unveiled a model of its future combat jet programme named the Tempest, a year after France and Germany announced plans to jointly develop a future European fighter aircraft.
>> Farnborough International Airshow Coverage
On the opening day of FIA 2018, the UK’s Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said the Tempest concept, a twin-engine, delta-winged, low-observable fighter could be used with either pilots or as a drone.
The craft will eventually replace the existing Typhoon fighter jet. It will be developed and built by BAE Systems, engine maker Rolls-Royce, Italy’s Leonardo and missiles expert MBDA.
UK will invest £2 billion (US$2.7 billion) to 2025 in the new project, aimed at ensuring the country’s continued leadership in fighter technology and control of air space in future combat. “We have been a world leader in the combat air sector for a century, with an enviable array of skills and technology, and this strategy makes clear that we are determined to make sure it stays that way,” Williamson said.
He added that the UK, currently excluded from the latest fighter programme underway between France and Germany, was not against forming a partnership with other nations, “It shows our allies that we are open to working together to protect the skies in an increasingly threatening future – and this concept model is just a glimpse into what the future could look like.”
The Tempest will be the first stories-Brexit weapons program for England.
The future fighter could be flying alongside F-35s and Typhoons by 2035, the minister suggested. The Typhoon is due to exit service in around 2040.
Airbus reacted to the news with a statement that read: “Airbus notes the U.K.’s announcement regarding its plans for the development of a new fighter aircraft and is encouraged to see the government’s financial commitment to the project which supports the goal of sovereign European defense capability.
“A Future Combat Air System is of utmost importance to Europe’s armed forces and therefore we look forward to continuing collaborative discussions in this area with all relevant European players.”
Rheinmetall House in Bristol, UK, has officially opened as the new headquarters for Vehicle Systems International (VSI), following its recent…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) wishes to announce that it has agreed with Pratt and Whitney (PW) to exit from…
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has entered into a multi-year engine services agreement with Indian regional airline FLY91 for the…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the maiden flight of the first Series Production Tejas Mk-1A light fighter (LA5033).…
Fincantieri and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence signed a 1.18-billion-euro contract for the supply of two Thaon di Revel-class Multipurpose…
UVision USA and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) signed a collaboration agreement to manufacture the Hero 120 Loitering Munition system…
Survitec, a provider of critical safety and survival solutions, has secured a significant contract to equip five Type 31 Frigates…
Spire Global, Inc., a provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services, has announced a deal with South Korea’s HANCOM…
Emirates has commenced its Neste fuel agreement at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport this month, with over 2 million gallons of Sustainable…
AirAsia Malaysia announced the resumption of its Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane route commencing on 2nd July 2024 on Tuesday (Mar. 26). This…
A new A321-200PF freighter joined the Royal Jordanian (RJ) fleet on March 24, bolstering its capacity to meet the cargo…
Jordan Airmotive and National Airlines have expanded their partnership with a CF6-80C2B5F engine sale. Jordan Airmotive is an engine MRO…
The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) commenced the steel-cutting ceremony for its inaugural Kapal Cepat Rudal (KCR / Fast Missile Boat) of…
Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, has appointed David McBride as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). McBride will…
Northrop Grumman and Diehl Defence have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their commitment to work together to support…
Collins Aerospace unveiled its Venue smart monitor at the recent Aircraft Electronics Association Convention & Trade Show's new product introduction…
Raytheon has been awarded a US$1.2 billion contract to supply Germany with Patriot air and missile defense systems. The systems…
Airbus Defence and Space has revealed its plans to acquire INFODAS, a Cologne-based company specialising in cybersecurity and IT solutions…
Boeing has announced that its current President & CEO Dave Calhoun will step down at the end of 2024; Calhoun…
VITEC, a multinational Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) technology company, is set to bring its streaming technologies at…
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) announced a contract awarded to Rheinmetall for the "Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie (Heavy Weapon Carrier for…
Korean Air is set to finalize a contract with Airbus for the acquisition of 33 A350 family aircraft. The agreement…
The Indonesian Army's 13th Cavalry Battalion has officially welcomed nine Harimau tanks into its arsenal. The induction ceremony took place…
Naval Group commenced the steel-cutting ceremony for the first third-generation French SSBN (SNLE 3G) at the group’s shipyard in Cherbourg…
Vietnam's leading budget airline, Vietjet, continues its expansion into the Australian market with the introduction of a new direct flight…
MRO company AAR has signed a multi-year agreement to supply surplus material for the CFM56-5B engine to Cebu Pacific. Under…
Embraer hosted the C-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) at Embraer Executive Jets' headquarters…
Terma's SCANTER 4002 radars have been selected by Belgian Defence to enhance the nation's airspace surveillance capabilities at both military…
MBDA, manufacturer of missiles and missile systems, has joined Egypt International Airshow (EIAS) as Platinum Sponsor that will take place…
Eve Air Mobility's Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) software has been named Vector. According to the company, Vector will…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.