Tempest’s Future Is Uncertain As Government Mulls Cuts

The Ministry of Defence has asked the defence industry to identify ways they can cut costs. 

This comes after Rachel Reeves told parliament there was a £22 billion hole in the public finances that needs redressing [Independent]. Following Mrs. Reeves’ speech, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard refused to rule out cutting the Global Combat Air Programme ahead of the government’s strategic defence review, which will be published in 2025 [Independent].

The Global Combat Air Programme is focused on creating the next-generation Tempest aircraft. Developed by the U.K., Japan, and Italy, the Tempest is meant to be the sixth-generation supersonic stealth replacement for the American F-35. 

While the platform's future is uncertain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke positively about the Tempest program at the Farnborough Airshow, saying, “It's important for me to put on record just how important a program this is.” [Reuters]