Next-generation fighter jet project in doubt amid defence review

The Tempest will have advanced stealth technology, as well as the ability to fly without a pilot and direct swarms of drones

Computer-generated image of the proposed Tempest jet. Photo: Ministry of Defence

A programme to build the UK’s next-generation fighter jet in partnership with Japan and Italy is in jeopardy amid a defence review.

The Tempest, as it is known in Britain, would include advanced stealth technology, the ability to fly without a pilot and would direct swarms of drones.

The Global Combat Air Programme project was launched in December 2022, with the merging of the Tempest and Japanese F-X fighter programmes to build a sixth-generation aircraft to combat future threats, potentially from China and Russia.

Luke Pollard, the Armed Forces Minister, this week described Tempest as “really important” but would not give commitments on its future pending a defence review. The new government has said it will not raise defence spending without economic growth.

The UK was chosen as the government and commercial headquarters for the Global Combat Air Programme.

Answering questions at the Air and Space Power conference in London, Mr Pollard said that Defence Secretary John Healey would meet his Japanese and Italian counterparts next week “to underline” the programme's importance.

But he added: “It is not right for me to prejudge what might happen in the defence review.”

If it goes ahead, Tempest will be the most sophisticated jet in operation when it takes to the skies in 2035.

It will not have any conventional dials in the cockpit and an AI brain will allow it to remain in combat if the pilot loses consciousness.

Not only will its advanced stealth technology make it almost invisible to radar, but its computer brain will allow it to use drone swarm technology while deploying a battery of arms, including lasers and hypersonic missiles.

The dials will be visible to a pilot using a helmet-mounted display. BAE Systems said the Tempest would have “gesture control and eye-tracking [to] measure the pilot’s workload and identify fatigue and mental stress”, as well as a “cockpit without a single physical dial or screen”.

A computer-generated image of a Tempest fighter jet in flight. Image: Ministry of Defence

But it is the use of AI technology that offers the most thought-provoking advances.

Monitors inside the pilot’s helmet will track their brain signals and health, gathering a database that will increase with flying time.

This will allow the AI to take over the controls if the pilot passes out and can provide assistance if the aircraft comes under attack.

While military aircraft projects are notorious for delays and rocketing costs, if the project proves to be a success, proponents say it is likely to attract orders from allies, particularly in Europe and the Gulf.

Last year, British defence sources said they were “very supportive” of an official request by Saudi Arabia to become a primary partner in the project.

Japan initially opposed Saudi Arabia’s inclusion, fearing it might delay the tight deadline to produce the aircraft.

But a UK defence source told The National that Tokyo’s position was “evolving” and it was “our understanding that Japan is open to it as [is] Italy”.