Next-Gen Tempest Program Gains Assistance from JASDF F-X Development

The United Kingdom announced the inclusion of a new partner in their next generation Tempest fighter program, collaborating with Japan in the design, creation, and development of a joint engine demonstrator. The project will be kickstarted in 2022 with an initial £30 million for planning, digital design, and preparatory manufacturing development.  

Further investments from the UK provide £200 million to see the project through its initial demonstration power system, supporting hundreds of the employees at Rolls-Royce's Filton Facility in Bristol. Throughout the life of the program, more than £2 billion will see its way into the Future Combat Air System. The engine should ultimately see use throughout future fighters for the Kingdom, being used in their Tempest manned and unmanned aircraft, drones, and more. 

Japan's F-X program began in earnest in 2020, developing their next-generation fighter digitally while they workshop the basic design. Their riff on the F-16, the Mitsubishi F-2, is approaching 3 decades in service in an operational area bordering increasingly advanced, stealthy PLA aircraft. In a stroke of convenience, the Japanese program has been established with a similar timescale for the completion of their fighter as the Tempest, making for an easy alignment of joint collaboration. 

The partnership between the countries builds on the stability of the pan-asia region, providing sharper, better tools to those on the frontlines of sometimes contentious regions. UK Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace said the joint project will will enhance security for all involved. "Strengthening our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific is a strategic priority and this commitment with Japan, one of our closest security partners in Asia, is a clear example of that."

"Designing a brand-new combat air system with a fighter aircraft at its heart is a highly ambitious project so working with like-minded nations is vital. Building on the technological and industrial strengths of our two countries, we will be exploring a wide-ranging partnership across next-generation combat air technologies.

FMI: www.gov.uk, www.mod.go.jp