Construction of the United Kingdom's next-generation fighter jet, codenamed Tempest, is underway at BAE Systems facilities in northwest England, even as the nation experiences a political transition. The aircraft, intended to enter service in 2035, is a key component of the Global Combat Air Programme, a collaborative effort involving the UK, Japan, and Italy.
The demonstrator aircraft is currently being assembled, with its nose, fuselage, and tail being put together in Samlesbury, Lancashire. Later this year, it will move to a nearby site in Warton, where the wings will be attached. The program aims for the demonstrator aircraft to fly by the end of 2027.
Tempest received significant backing in the recent Government Defence Investment Plan, with an allocation of £8.6 billion over four years. This project is one of the priorities facing the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, who is expected to miss the Farnborough Air Show due to the demands of forming his cabinet. His absence marks the first time a prime minister has not attended the event since World War II.
Previous leaders have expressed strong support for the Tempest project. Keir Starmer, Burnham's predecessor, emphasized its importance at the last air show, and Boris Johnson, before him, described himself as "obsessed" by the initiative. However, Burnham inherits a substantial financial challenge, with an estimated £5 billion funding gap for the £15 billion Defence Investment Plan.
The Farnborough Air Show, a major event for the global aerospace industry, is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors and more than 1,600 organizations. While the Prime Minister will not be present for the opening ceremony, senior cabinet ministers are anticipated to attend once their appointments are confirmed. Representatives from the aerospace and defense industry body behind the show have indicated they are in communication with the new Prime Minister's team and look forward to engaging with him soon.