UK MoD Awards BAE Systems £250M for Tempest Jet Development

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) today awarded BAE Systems approximately £250 million ($348.77million) to progress the design and development of Tempest, the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

“Today marks a momentous step in the next phase of our Future Combat Air System, with a multi-million pound investment that draws on the knowledge and skills of our UK industry experts. Boosting our already world-leading air industry, the contract will sustain thousands of jobs across the UK and will ensure that the UK remains at the top table when it comes to combat air,” Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence, said while announcing the contract during his visit to BAE Systems’ Warton site in Lancashire.

The British Future Combat Air Programme, Tempest, is expected to create 20,000 jobs every year from 2026 to 2050, and contribute £25 billion to the UK economy.

Also read: UK Air Force Reveals 3D Model of 'Tempest' Fighter Jet, LANCA Unmanned Aircraft

The contract, signed by BAE Systems, officially marks the start of the programme’s concept and assessment phase.

The programme is being delivered by Team Tempest – combining the expertise of the UK MOD, BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK and Rolls-Royce. Working with international partners, the team is leading progress towards a UK-led internationally collaborative Future Combat Air System.

The concept and assessment phase contract will see the partners develop a range of digital concepts, embedding new tools and techniques to design, evaluate and shape the final design and capability requirements of Tempest.