The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is the UK’s requirement and programme of record to deliver a next generation combat air capability through integrated components in a core, crewed aircraft, uncrewed platforms, next generation weapons, networks and data sharing, and support and training.
It is embodied by Tempest, a future combat aircraft being developed with sixth-generation capabilities to be one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets in service.
Tempest is the only solution that will deliver maximum military, economic and prosperity benefit to the United Kingdom.
Tempest is the UK’s future combat aircraft that will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme with sixth-generation capabilities to be one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets in service.
The programme is leveraging and developing the very best technology in existence, working in partnership with academia and high-tech SMEs across the UK, embracing new ways of working and investing in advanced technology to drive pace and efficiency.
Take a look at some of the exciting technologies we are working on for Tempest.
Software driven, interactive cockpit allows pilots to take control using gestures. Augmented and Virtual Reality displays project vital information directly in front of the pilot’s eyes. Next Generation Radar
Powerful radar can provide 10,000 times more data than current systems, giving battle-winning advantage. Software Driven System
An open systems architecture allows easy and rapid changes in capability to suit any mission. Integrated Sensing
Advanced, highly-integrated sensors and communications systems work seamlessly together to provide vital information to the pilot. Efficient Power
A world first electrical starter generator saves space and provides the massive amounts of power required. Intelligent Weapons Systems
Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the system exploits information from the aircraft to maximise the effect that weapons can deliver.
Tempest Careers
Tempest needs to be delivered in half the time and at a significantly lower cost than previous combat air programmes. That's why we're developing a future combat air system that brings together ground-breaking technologies in areas like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), cobotics, and more.
Across UK industry and the Ministry of Defence, there are already 4,500 people working on exciting technologies we couldn’t even have imagined in the previous generation of programmes. We need the engineers, the manufacturers, the technologists, the scientists and the thinkers of tomorrow to bring new ideas and ways of working to the programme.
Impact of Tempest
Tempest is creating and sustaining highly skilled jobs, driving investment in Research and Development (R&D) and benefitting hundreds of companies throughout the supply chain, contributing to the long term economic prosperity of the UK.
On behalf of the Team Tempest industry partners, BAE Systems has commissioned PwC to produce a new assessment, which shows the significant and wide-spread benefit delivered by the programme; creating and sustaining highly skilled jobs in the combat air sector and beyond; driving investment in R&D and benefitting hundreds of companies throughout the supply chain, contributing to the long term economic prosperity of our nation.
Team Tempest is a UK partnership that brings together the very best of British industry – BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Rolls-Royce, MBDA UK, alongside the Ministry of Defence, working in partnership to generate the technologies and experience required for the UK to lead the development of a next generation combat air system.