The UK will fly a supersonic prototype of its next-generation fighter aircraft within five years and work with Japan and Italy on the multibillion-pound defence programme, the government said on Monday, in what could herald a deeper trilateral partnership.
BAE Systems, the lead industry partner on the Tempest programme, said the prototype would be a piloted supersonic aircraft that would test a range of technologies, including the integration of stealth-compatible features.
The aircraft will be the country’s first combat air demonstrator since the Eurofighter Typhoon almost 40 years ago and is seen as critical if the UK is to achieve its promise of having a sixth-generation fighter aircraft in service by 2035.
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