Robert Welcomes Italy Joining Team Tempest

DSIE

Italy will join the British-led Team Tempest programme building an advanced fighter jet, boosting the project's chances of getting the aircraft off the ground.

Tempest is a collaboration between the British Government and industrial partners BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, MBDA and Leonardo - and Robert is credited with having led the "parliamentary pressure" that led to its introduction.

It aims to build a 'sixth generation' fighter featuring stealth technology, laser weapons and a swarm of drone wingmen which will be in service in 2035. It will guarantee work for Britain’s £6bn-a-year combat aircraft industry that employs 18,000 people and is a major source of defence exports. 

Italy coming on board - joining Sweden, which agreed to work alongside Tempest on future combat in the summer - gives the project a further boost.

Speaking after the announcement, Robert said: "It is excellent news that UK & Italian industry signed agreement this morning to support ⁦⁦⁦Team Tempest. Italy & the UK have a long record of joint success, and I'm delighted this will continue as we build next generation air power for ⁦⁦⁦⁦⁦the Royal Air Force."

 

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