Next-generation fighter jet unveiled in £2bn boost to defence industry
Plans to build a next-generation fighter aircraft were unveiled by the Government today, in a move which will bolster Britain’s post-Brexit defence capabilities and sustain thousands of jobs in the UK aerospace sector.
Defence secretary Gavin Williamson outlined details of a £2bn programme which will see a new cutting-edge sixth-generation fighter jet model, christened "The Tempest", replace Eurofighter Typhoons as part of the UK’s attempts to remain a tier one military power.
Production of the Typhoon jet is set to wind down by the mid-2020s, with the new aircraft, which could be used either with pilots or as a drone, set to come in by 2035.
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Around 15,000 jobs in Britain are currently reliant on the production of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is built by BAE Systems in Lancashire.
The new concept aircraft will be developed and built by partners BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, MBDA and Leonardo.
The plans are part of the government’s long-awaited combat air strategy, announced today at the Farnborough Airshow, the biggest event of the year for the aerospace industry.
Williamson said that the strategy "shows our allies that we are open to working together to protect the skies in an increasingly threatening future – and this concept model is just a glimpse into what the future could look like."
He added: "Today’s news leaves industry, our military, the country, and our allies in no doubt that the UK will be flying high in the combat air sector as we move into the next generation."
Williamson's announcement follows reports last week that Britain is in talks with other countries to find more companies to help develop the jet, with Sweden seen as the most likely partner.
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The show, which attracts around 100,000 trade visitors from 100 countries, brought in deals worth $124bn (£93bn) in 2016.
Major plane makers Boeing and Airbus are also set grab headlines during the week-long show as they battle it out to secure defence contracts worth billions of pounds.
The news comes a week after a report commissioned by the defence secretary put pressure on the Treasury for extra spending to protect the industry's budget.
Roughly £343m of investment in electric and hybrid plans was also announced by the government at the Farnborough Airshow this morning, with plans for 18 new research and technology projects, including the development of cleaner and greener hybrid aircraft.
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clarke said: "The UK has a rich heritage in civil aviation as the home of the jet engine and the wings factory of the world. Technology is driving revolutionary changes in aviation that have not been seen since the 1970s and today's investment is foundational to the future of commercial aviation and ensuring the UK remains at the cutting-edge of the sector."