BAE Systems has released data based on the potential economic contribution of Tempest, the UK's 6th generation fighter jet programme, over the next 30 years.
About 20,000 businesses are expected to be supported along with the programme. Together with Tempest, the UK economy is expected to earn £25.3bn by 2050. Bae Systems will soon present a business plan to the government on the program, after which funding will be allocated for the next phase.
Production of aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2025, but the official cost of the 6th generation fighter jet program has not been announced.
Defence analysts think Tempest will cost around £25billion. London's total defence budget for 2019 was under £40 billion.
BAE Systems, which works with Rolls-Royce, MBDA and Leonardo on the aircraft program, has also introduced concepts developed for the program, including new radar and a “wearable cockpit” with aircraft controls designed through virtual and augmented reality.
Work is under way to make Tempest operational in 2035.
