The Airframer Bulletin

Airframer · BAE Tempest · BAE Systems plc

Every Bulletin story and press release covering Airframer · BAE Tempest · BAE Systems plc, newest first.

11 items

2026

29 July

BAE Systems will integrate software, digital networks and physical infrastructure under the extension.

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.

22 July

ReleaseTeam Tempest partners accelerate next-generation combat air technologies for UK defence

2025

24 July

More than 300 hours have been flown in a bespoke simulator by test pilots and engineers.

BAE reaches full-scale Combat Air Demonstrator design milestone

The UK’s first piloted supersonic demonstrator in four decades is now two-thirds structurally complete with wings and tail fins in build.

2023

14 June

ReleaseUK industry reveals advanced technologies for next generation flying combat air demonstrator

27 April

Leonardo delivers prototype radar for latest Typhoon

The ECRS Mk2 will equip pilots with the ability to locate, identify and suppress enemy air defences, a powerful combination of capabilities that will increase the Eurofighter Typhoon's lethality and survivability

20 April

UK MoD invests to progress technology for Tempest

The UK Tempest partners, working in close collaboration with the MoD, will now progress the maturity of more than 60 cutting-edge technology demonstrations, digital concepts and new technologies.

2022

14 December

Conceptual images of the next-generation fighter.

UK, Italy and Japan combine for future fighter development

The programme will build on progress already made by BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the UK Ministry of Defence as Team Tempest, as well as MHI's proposed future fighter aircraft (F-X).

20 July

The demonstrator aircraft will fly within the next five years.

UK lays out plans for next generation combat aircraft

Engineers at BAE Systems in the north of England are leading the design, test, evaluation and build, bringing together digital engineering technologies such as synthetic modelling and model-based systems engineering.

2021

4 August

The Ministry of Defence contract officially marks the start of the Tempest programme’s concept and assessment phase.

BAE gains contract to progress with Tempest design

Tempest will pioneer cutting-edge technologies, including those assisted by AI, machine learning and autonomous systems to meet the challenges of future conflicts, and be operational in the mid-2030s.

2020