Rishi Sunak is preparing a deal with Italy and Japan over the development of the RAF’s most advanced combat jet yet, it has been reported.
Due to enter service from 2035, the Tempest is being developed by BAE Systems at its site in Lancashire, and Rolls Royce, amongst other partners.
It will eventually replace the Eurofighter Typhoon – the current backbone of the air force – which was a collaboration between Italy, the UK, Germany and Spain.
Little is known about the Tempest programme, and in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine, it is understandable why the Ministry of Defence (MoD) wants to keep it under wraps.
The next-generation combat aircraft boasts game-changing technologies and will be built in what is being dubbed the ‘factory of the future’.
At least £2 billion is planned to be spent by the government on the initial phase of the project.
To meet new threats, the Tempest will bring a ‘plug and play’ approach, according to the programme.
Software and hardware will be easily changed in and out depending on capability and functions needed for a mission, including weapons, sensors, or fuel tanks.
Probably one of the most cutting-edge elements of the aircraft is that it will also have the capability of being remotely controlled.
‘We’re working towards our concept of cockpits without a single physical dial or screen,’ a statement on the website said.
‘Instead, pilots will wear a next generation augmented and virtual reality helmet that will project interactive cockpit displays and controls directly in front of their eyes.
‘Other pilot support concepts such as virtual assistants are also being developed and tested.
‘This work is continuing and flight trials are now being planned to test some of these innovations in a real environment.’
Last year, the MoD signed a £250m contract to continue developing the Tempest with international partners, the Daily Mail reported.
According to the Sun, the prime minister is preparing to sign deals with Italy and Japan, while further talks have taken place with Sweden and India.
The MoD is yet to share more details on the reports and it is still unclear what the possible international deal may involve.
A spokesperson said: ‘The UK is conducting joint concept analysis with close partners to understand areas of shared interest.
‘Any updates will be set out in the usual way.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
