BAE Systems wins £708m GCAP contract extension

The contract builds on Team Tempest progress since 2018, involving around 4,500 people across BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK and Rolls-Royce.

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £708 million contract extension to continue development of sixth-generation sovereign combat air technology supporting the UK's role in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

As lead system integrator on GCAP, BAE Systems will deliver and integrate UK technology across software, digital networks, digital engineering and physical infrastructure, working alongside Team Tempest industry partners and the wider supply chain. The company will also carry out operational analysis and concept development for the broader Future Combat Air System, covering integration of uncrewed air systems, advanced networks and weapon technologies beyond the core sixth-generation aircraft, known in the UK as Tempest.

Richard Berthon, director future combat air at the Ministry of Defence, says: “This £708 million investment demonstrates the UK's continued commitment to maintaining a world-leading combat air capability and a freedom of action which ensures our Armed Forces remain equipped to meet future threats.”

Declan Holland, future combat air systems managing director at BAE Systems Air, adds: “Our contract builds on the strong progress already achieved across the UK's defence ecosystem, bringing together industry and academic partners to accelerate next-generation technologies.”

The extension continues progress made by Team Tempest partners BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the MoD since 2018, a programme now involving around 4,500 people researching, evaluating and developing future combat air capabilities intended to keep the UK ahead of emerging threats. The work has driven investment across the UK in advanced digital technologies including model-based systems engineering, open architectures, digital twins and virtual environments, tools intended to allow future combat air systems to be delivered more quickly and cost-effectively than previous programmes.