Combat air set to play the fall guy in UK defence review
As high-profile budget difficulties tie the UK government to making tough, long-term procurement decisions across air, land and sea domains, the RAF’s combat air plans are highly likely to be revamped, according to a leading defence source.
A current pledge to buy 138 F-35 fifth-generation jets sits at the top of UK air power priorities and runs together with an initial investment of £2 billion ($2.6 billion) to fund the next-generation Tempest combat aircraft programme.
However, based on budget constraints, the target of advancing both efforts as desired is a ‘big ask’, Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
