The company will continue as the UK’s lead system integrator on GCAP. Its work will cover UK technology integration, software, digital networks, digital engineering and physical infrastructure.
BAE Systems will work with Team Tempest partners and the wider supply chain. The team includes Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence.
The contract also covers capability beyond the core sixth-generation aircraft. That includes operational analysis and concept development for the wider Future Combat Air System, including uncrewed air systems, advanced networks and new weapon technologies.
“This £708 million investment demonstrates the UK’s continued commitment to maintaining a world-leading combat air capability and a freedom of action which ensures our Armed Forces remain equipped to meet future threats,” said Richard Berthon, Director Future Combat Air, Ministry of Defence. The statement places the award within the UK’s wider effort to retain national control over future combat air capability.
“Our contract builds on the strong progress already achieved across the UK’s defence ecosystem, bringing together industry and academic partners to accelerate next-generation technologies,” said Declan Holland, Future Combat Air Systems Managing Director, BAE Systems Air. “Through this work, we’re delivering tangible outcomes for the Global Combat Air Programme by strengthening UK capability, supporting high-value innovation and contributing to long-term economic growth.”
The funding extends work that has been under way since 2018 across the Team Tempest enterprise. Around 4,500 people are researching, evaluating and developing future combat air capabilities for the UK.
The programme is also driving investment in digital engineering tools and methods across the country. These include model-based systems engineering, open architectures, digital twins and virtual environments.
BAE Systems said these approaches are intended to support faster and more cost-effective delivery than previous programmes. The contract extension keeps UK industry, academia and the Ministry of Defence aligned behind the next phase of GCAP and future combat air development.
