The UK has awarded BAE Systems a £708 million ($946 million) contract to speed up the development of critical technologies for its Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The investment extends the nation’s FCAS programme while supporting technologies that will also underpin the multinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Key focus areas include digital engineering, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, software, digital networks, and supporting infrastructure.
The UK Ministry of Defence stated that the funding builds on progress already achieved under the programme. BAE Systems will spearhead the effort alongside Team Tempest partners Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, and Rolls-Royce. The programme’s supply chain includes nearly 600 companies and academic institutions, with around 4,500 personnel contributing across Team Tempest. About 90% of the jobs supported by the contract are based in London and southeast England. BAE Systems added that the work will further enhance capabilities such as model-based systems engineering, digital twins, open architectures, and virtual environments.
The announcement follows recent progress in the UK’s future combat air ambitions. In July, the government reaffirmed its commitment to GCAP by earmarking £8.6 billion ($11.4 billion) over the next four years through its Defence Investment Plan, advancing the development of the sixth-generation fighter aircraft in partnership with Italy and Japan.
