Stroms build for Tempest

Column Commander’s Update Briefing

Following the publication of the Ministry of Defence’s Combat Air Strategy last year, Air Power Association President, Air Marshal (ret’d) Greg Bagwell CB CBE reviews the ambitious Tempest programme – its chances of success and the possible pitfalls it will face.

The then Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announces the new, national Combat Air Strategy at Farnborough last year.
MOD/Crown Copyright
The full-size concept model for the next-generation Tempest fighter unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow last July 16.
MOD/Crown Copyright

hen the British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the Team Tempest programme at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2018, there was a sense of excitement over the national ambition behind such a prestigious project. This was assisted, somewhat, by the dramatic reveal of a rather sleek mock-up as a backdrop – especially as it was a shape that was far more attractive and futuristic compared with the rather angular and ugly F-35. Indeed, we might have been forgiven for thinking we were witnessing a return to the golden era of UK aerospace of decades past.

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