The UK has awarded BAE Systems a 708-million-pound ($946-million) contract to accelerate development of technologies for its Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
The funding extends the country’s existing FCAS program and supports systems that will also contribute to the multinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), including digital engineering, AI, advanced manufacturing, software, digital networks, and supporting infrastructure.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the latest investment builds on progress already made.
BAE Systems will lead the work alongside Team Tempest partners Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, and Rolls-Royce.
Around 600 companies and academic institutions form the program’s supply chain, while about 4,500 people are working across Team Tempest. Approximately 90 percent of the jobs supported by the new contract are located around London and southeast England.
BAE Systems said the work will also continue advancing tools such as model-based systems engineering, digital twins, open architectures, and virtual environments.
Future Combat Air Efforts
The latest investment follows a series of developments across the UK’s future combat air efforts.
In July, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to GCAP by allocating 8.6 billion pounds ($11.4 billion) over the next four years through its Defence Investment Plan, supporting development of the sixth-generation fighter with Italy and Japan.
“This investment in advanced combat air technology for the UK Armed Forces will strengthen our defense and deterrence and shows our clear commitment to backing British workers with our defence investment, creating jobs and supporting communities across the UK,” Defence Minister Wes Streeting said.
