BAE Systems backs FCAS international partnerships to solve affordability debate
A 3D-printed scale model of a notional Tempest fighter design undergoes wind tunnel testing. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems is focused on international partnerships to sustain FCAS ambitions — although some observers are sceptical over the level of funding for the programme.
BAE Systems has suggested that new international partners and international growth are sure to boost the long-term funding prospects for the UK-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
The UK MoD announced an additional £2 billion ($2.47 billion) over four years in March 2021 for FCAS with Italy also committing the same amount out to 2035 in August 2021, but as spending is forecast to increase substantially after the project moves from its current concept and assessment phase to prototyping and testing, defence analysts argue there remains a mismatch between underfunding and the ambition of the programme.
In terms of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Air Warfare
-
![US, in prescribing Taiwan’s mission, rebuffs MH-60R sale]()
US, in prescribing Taiwan’s mission, rebuffs MH-60R sale
The current administration in the US is proving less willing than Trump was to sell military equipment to Taiwan.
-
![Raytheon gains StormBreaker lifecycle support contract modification]()
Raytheon gains StormBreaker lifecycle support contract modification
StormBreaker already equips F-15E fighter aircraft and the glide bomb is also undergoing developmental and operational testing with the F-35B.
-
![Persistence pays off with ARRW hypersonic test]()
Persistence pays off with ARRW hypersonic test
The ARRW air-launched hypersonic missile test programme has had its share of delays and mishaps, but Lockheed Martin and the USAF have finally conducted a successful boosted flight test.
-
![Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats]()
Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats
The current Australian government is promising to accelerate development of the Loyal Wingman project for the RAAF.
-
![US awards initial spares contract for F-35 Lot 16 aircraft]()
US awards initial spares contract for F-35 Lot 16 aircraft
The latest F-35 contract modification for Lockheed Martin follows a deal covering ‘ancillary mission equipment requirements’ for Lot 15 and Lot 16 aircraft.
