UK Introduces Prototype Design for 6th-Generation Tempest Fighter Jet

BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA UK, in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence, have presented the design of the prototype for the sixth-generation Tempest fighter jet.

The announcement was made in a press release by BAE Systems.

The manned supersonic aircraft is the first of its kind to be developed in the UK in four decades.

The first prototype, known as the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, is being used to test a wide range of new technologies, including next-generation manufacturing techniques and risk-reduction strategies for the eventual production of the Tempest.

Assembly of the demonstrator started in July 2024, and by July 2025, roughly two-thirds of the components were in production. The aircraft is expected to be completed in 2026, with a maiden flight scheduled for 2027.

The Tempest is being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint initiative involving the UK, Japan, and Italy. The fighter jet is expected to enter service by 2035.

Although the Tempest will be a shared platform, each country will equip it with its own radar systems, sensors, and weapons packages.

GCAP brings together the British Tempest initiative, Italy’s efforts led by Leonardo, and Japan’s F-X program. The new aircraft is intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2.

In late June, BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement established a joint venture called Edgewing to lead the development of the GCAP fighter jet.

Edgewing will serve as the design authority throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle, which is projected to extend to 2070. It will operate with integrated teams in all three partner nations, with headquarters based in the UK.