STORY
The Government has announced a £4.6 billion international contract for the next stage of the Global Combat Air Programme, the joint UK, Italy and Japan project to develop a sixth generation fighter jet. Ministers said the contract, awarded to industry joint venture Edgewing, would advance the aircraft’s design and support skilled manufacturing jobs in Britain.
The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft was targeted to enter service from 2035 and would work alongside Typhoons, F-35s and autonomous systems as part of the future Royal Air Force. The programme is expected to use digital engineering, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the agreement was a major step towards delivery of the future aircraft. The announcement follows the Defence Investment Plan, which confirmed that the UK would invest £8.6 billion in the programme over four years.