Now, under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the three nations have begun to establish a pathway for effective knowledge and technology transfer. This partnership of strategic importance will not only foster innovation and technological advancements, but bring wide-spread economic growth to the UK and safeguard the future of our national combat air industry for decades to come.
As the UK’s national lead on the GCAP programme and a provider of sovereign capability, we take our responsibility to deliver for the nation seriously. At our core, we are dedicated to supporting the UK Armed Forces and their allies, protecting and serving those who protect and serve us all, and making sure that we can live our lives with security and stability.
This fundamental role cannot be overstated. A strong defence infrastructure deters potential threats and ensures that we can provide a fast and robust response in times of crisis, helping to maintain national sovereignty and protect our peace.
An economic powerhouse
Beyond military benefits, the UK combat air industry is a significant driver of technological innovation, scientific advancements, long-standing careers, and critical skills and knowledge. It is also an economic powerhouse.
Our combat air programmes provide employment to thousands of people, from engineers and scientists, to programme managers and those just starting out in their careers. These jobs, often requiring specialist skills and training, contribute to high productivity and create a ripple effect that benefits the broader economy. This leads to greater funding for infrastructure, training and education, further underpinning economic stability and growth, generating significant economic benefit across every region in the UK.
We see this today with the successful European partnership on the Eurofighter Typhoon programme, which through continuous investment is set to provide frontline security for another 30 – 40 years. The annual benefit to the UK every year from this programme is an impressive £1.6bn.
Partnering for UK prosperity
Tempest, the UK’s next generation combat aircraft at the centre of the GCAP partnership, is already building on a well-established track record for the UK’s sovereign combat air sector; developing world-class military capability, evolving technology and creating long-term, meaningful careers.
Today there are already 3,500 people working on Tempest in the UK, with around 600 suppliers engaged on the programme, including small-to-medium enterprises and academic institutions. In the few years since its launch, more than 1,000 apprentices and graduates have started their careers working on the programme across the Team Tempest partners, and many more across the UK supply chain.
Designing and developing Tempest is about people collaborating with people; linking the brightest minds from inside and outside of the defence industry, across academia and research organisations and our international partners to drive innovation and secure UK-owned intellectual property that supports the economy and long-term prosperity of our nation.
The forecasted benefit to the UK is sizable, with the latest findings indicating that Tempest will contribute £37bn to the economy through to 2070, and generate high productivity employment; 83% higher than the UK national average.
This cutting-edge programme will demand advanced design, development, production, maintenance and support skills from across the UK. It is expected to support around 16,000 jobs per year for the next 10 years alone. All of this is without the potential for exports, which is expected to be significant.
Security for decades to come
The GCAP trilateral treaty serves as a declaration of intent, signalling that the UK aims to maintain its leadership in the global aerospace and combat air sector. It also encourages industry to invest, and to date, the Team Tempest partners have invested £800m into the technology and skills for Tempest.
The implications of not securing this programme would be disastrous for the sector. Beyond its long term economic contribution, Tempest is crucial for the enduring security of the UK's aerospace and defence industrial base. Without it, there would be an adverse impact to UK-owned technology, and the longevity of the industry underpinning the sector would be at risk. The UK would likely lose its prime position in the global aerospace sector and its ability to choose how it deploys its military capability in the future.
The design, development, production, training and support work delivered by the UK’s combat air industry to the Royal Air Force acts as an integral part of our sovereign national defence capability.
A commitment to Tempest not only secures high-skilled jobs and drives innovation but also ensures the continued economic vitality of the UK's sovereign combat air sector. This ensures the future security and stability necessary for people to live their lives, and pursue their ambitions without the fear of external threats.
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