Tempest delivers 1,000 jobs boost

By Ged Henderson

02 Aug 2022

BAE Systems’ Air business, which includes major sites in Warton and Samlesbury, is recruiting 1,000 new engineers as it gears up for the next stage of the Tempest fighter jet project.

The roles will support the development of a new combat air demonstrator which will fly within the next five years as part of the Tempest programme, as well as the upgrading of the Eurofighter Typhoon.

And the defence giant has revealed that the bulk of the jobs will be based in Lancashire as well as East Yorkshire and Prestwick in Scotland.

Recruitment is already underway with the launch of an online ‘talent hub’ and BAE Systems is asking people to get in touch and find out what roles they could take on in its future programmes. The aim is to recruit the new workers over the next 12 months.

A spokesperson said: “We are looking to take on engineers, advanced manufacturers, software specialists and a whole range of other professions which support these complex programmes, including project managers, finance and commercial specialists.”

As well as the Tempest and Typhoon programmes, BAE Systems in Lancashire is working on the development of electric and unmanned aircraft.

The defence giant announced at the Farnborough Air Show last week that it will lead the UK industry response to the development of the new combat air demonstrator.

That will play a critical role in proving the technology needed to deliver the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

Engineers at BAE Systems in Lancashire are part of the team leading the design, test, evaluation and build process, bringing together new digital engineering technologies.

A company spokesperson said: “These innovative design and engineering methods are helping to demonstrate how they will significantly reduce the time it takes to design, deliver and upgrade complex combat aircraft.”

John Stocker, BAE Systems Business Development Director responsible for FCAS, told Lancashire Business View that the Tempest project would support over 20,000 jobs in the future, with more than 70 per cent of those outside London and the South East of England.

He said: “It will have massive economic and industrial value for the UK.” And he added: “We have been making some fantastic progress with a whole range of technology development activities.”

Describing the announcement of the air demonstrator as “a groundbreaking moment”, he said the business was investing heavily in the skills needed to deliver the programme. He added: “The next five years are going to be exciting.”

The project will see the UK team up with Japan, Italy and Sweden. Stocker said the international aspect of the programme was important and other partners could join in the future.

Cliff Robson, who heads BAE Systems Air group, has also spoken of the importance of the project to the UK. He said: “Without Tempest, we lose the sovereign capability in terms of military aircraft and fast jets, which is essential if you want security and defence of the country.”

The consortium is led by BAE Systems and includes engine maker Rolls-Royce and the UK arms of European firms Leonardo and missile-maker MBDA. The UK is due to make a final decision on the project in three years.

The MoD has also announced a £2.35bn investment in a package of new capabilities which will be equipped on Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft, with Lancashire’s planemakers again playing a key role in delivery.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Ged Henderson

Latest news

1

Lancashire emerges as key player in UK's Defence and Tech Sector Mo Isap Chair Of The Lancashire Business Board Nick Miles National Cyber Force Deputy Director For Samlesbury Annette Weekes Representative Of The NWRDSC

Lancashire emerges as key player in UK's Defence and Tech Sector

03 Jul 2025

2

Report shows impact of BAE Systems in Lancashire BAE Systems Radar

Report shows impact of BAE Systems in Lancashire

02 Jul 2025

3

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans Waste recycling Blackpool

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans

01 Jul 2025

4

Graham Engineering confirms sale to a2e Industries Graham Engineering

Graham Engineering confirms sale to a2e Industries

01 Jul 2025

5

Training 2000 celebrates 'Good' rating by Ofsted Training 2000

Training 2000 celebrates 'Good' rating by Ofsted

01 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
unnamed (2).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Jul 2025 - 09 Jul 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:30 - 16:00

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers
Champagne-Jewellery 10 07 25_page-0001.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers

Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn, BB1 5AA

18:00 - 20:30

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast
talentreimaginedbb.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Chorley, PR71PS

08:00 - 10:30

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past
1750160034867.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin