UK's Tempest jet programme stays on course for 2035 service debut
The UK's Tempest jet programme remains on track, with no delays to its planned service date. Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed the timeline as part of the wider Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This multinational effort involves the UK, Italy, and Japan working together to build a next-generation fighter jet.
GCAP aims to create a sixth-generation combat aircraft to replace ageing fleets. In the UK and Italy, it will succeed the Eurofighter Typhoon, while in Japan, it will replace the Mitsubishi F-2. Over 9,000 people and more than 1,000 suppliers across the three countries are already contributing to the project.
Development will begin in full by 2025, with a demonstrator aircraft set to take its first flight in 2027. The first operational jets are expected to enter service from 2035. Edgewing, a joint venture between BAE Systems, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd, and Leonardo, is leading the industrial coordination for the programme.
While specific production sites in Britain have not yet been announced, the project continues to advance as planned. The collaboration brings together expertise from all three nations to deliver a cutting-edge fighter jet.
The Tempest programme remains a key defence project for the UK, Italy, and Japan. With development milestones firmly in place, the first operational aircraft are still scheduled for delivery by 2035. The programme's progress reflects ongoing cooperation between the partner nations and their industrial suppliers.
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