FARNBOROUGH, UK — The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded BAE Systems a £708 million contract to continue developing critical technologies for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), strengthening the United Kingdom's contribution to the multinational sixth-generation combat aircraft programme.
Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow, the contract supports the UK's national Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme and builds on work carried out since 2018 under Team Tempest.
BAE Systems to Lead UK Technology Development
Under the agreement, BAE Systems will continue as the UK's lead system integrator for GCAP. The company will work with Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce, the Ministry of Defence, and the wider UK supply chain to develop and integrate key national technologies.
The work includes advanced software, artificial intelligence, digital networks, digital engineering, physical infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, augmented reality, and additive manufacturing.
Contract Covers Broader Future Combat Air System
The funding extends beyond the development of the UK's sixth-generation crewed fighter, Tempest, and also supports the wider Future Combat Air System.
BAE Systems will carry out operational analysis and concept development for an integrated combat air system that includes advanced weapons networks and uncrewed air systems (UAS).
The announcement also coincided with the unveiling of Brontanax, BAE Systems' autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, including Tempest and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Builds on Team Tempest Programme
The contract continues work that began in 2018 through Team Tempest, a partnership comprising BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce, and the UK Ministry of Defence.
According to the MoD, the programme currently supports around 4,500 people involved in researching, evaluating, and developing future combat air capabilities.
The nationwide supply chain includes approximately 600 British-based companies and academic institutions, with around 90% of the jobs located outside London and the South East. A significant portion of the design and assembly work is carried out at BAE Systems' facilities in Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire.
Part of Wider UK Investment in GCAP
The £708 million contract forms part of the UK government's wider commitment of £8.6 billion to the Global Combat Air Programme over the next four years.
Since 2018, the UK government has invested more than £5 billion in the domestic Future Combat Air System programme.
The award specifically funds UK sovereign technologies and complements the broader GCAP partnership between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. It also follows the recently announced £4.6 billion contract awarded to the Edgewing joint venture to support the programme through the end of 2027.
Officials Highlight Long-Term Benefits
Richard Berthon, Director of Future Combat Air at the Ministry of Defence, said the investment secures the UK's freedom of action to ensure the armed forces remain equipped for future threats.
Declan Holland, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, said the contract builds on progress across the UK's defence sector and brings together industry and academic partners to advance next-generation combat air technologies.
Programme Continues Toward 2035 Service Entry
The announcement also follows Canada's confirmation as the first Observer Nation to join the GCAP partnership.
Meanwhile, development of the UK's combat air demonstrator continues at BAE Systems' facilities in Samlesbury and Warton, where the aircraft is in final assembly. The demonstrator is expected to make its first flight by the end of 2027, while the full GCAP combat aircraft remains on track to enter service in 2035.
Source : baesystems
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