BAE Systems to help develop next generation combat aircraft

BAE Systems, whose aerospace division employs thousands of Lancashire workers, is to play a key role in the development of a next-generation fighter aircraft backed by the governments of the UK, Italy and Japan.

The three countries have together created the Global Combat Air Programme, and the UK's work will be undertaken by the existing Team Tempest which consists of BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the UK Ministry of Defence.

In Lancashire, BAE Systems supports 9,000 local jobs through its work at sites in Samlesbury and Warton. This year, it announced its largest-ever apprenticeship intake, with 315 Lancashire-based recruits. The company estimates that the Tempest project engages with between 300 and 500 suppliers, a majority of them in the North West.

Across the UK, around 2,500 people are already working on the programme as part of Team Tempest and wider industry. Team Tempest partners have recruited more than 1,000 apprentices and graduates since the launch of the project in 2018. 

Charles Woodburn, chief executive BAE Systems, said: "The launch of the Global Combat Air Programme firmly positions the UK, alongside Japan and Italy, as leaders in the design, development and production of next generation combat air capability.

"With our UK industry partners, we look forward to strengthening our ties with Japanese and Italian industries as we work together to deliver this programme of huge importance to our global defence and security. The agreement with Japan and Italy is fundamental to meeting the goals set out in the UK Combat Air Strategy and is set to create and sustain thousands of high value jobs and benefit hundreds of companies across the UK, contributing to long-term economic prosperity and safeguarding sovereign combat air capability for generations to come.”

Rishi Sunak, the UK's prime minister, said: "The security of the United Kingdom, both today and for future generations, will always be of paramount importance to this government. That’s why we need to stay at the cutting-edge of advancements in defence technology – outpacing and out-manoeuvring those who seek to do us harm.

"The international partnership we have announced today with Italy and Japan aims to do just that, underlining that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are indivisible. The next-generation of combat aircraft we design will protect us and our allies around the world by harnessing the strength of our world-beating defence industry – creating jobs while saving lives."