A NEW air combat demonstrator will guide the way for the Tempest future fighter programme being developed across Lancashire.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has confirmed BAE will take a leading role in developing the craft, as part of future air combat work underway at their Samlesbury and Warton sites.

Engineers in the county will be tasked with leading the design, test, evaluation and build process, under the Tempest joint venture with Leonardo UK, Rolls-Royce and MBDA.

Work undertaken with the development of the demonstrator should be crucial to the development of Tempest, air combat system slated for a 2035 launch.

Engineers say it will bring together novel digital engineering technologies such as synthetic modelling and model-based systems engineering

Mr Wallace said: “I am delighted the UK, alongside Italy and Japan, are working on similar combat air journeys together.

"Our work with Japan and Italy on cutting-edge technology like this shows the benefit of our alliances across the world.

"The design and development of the demonstrator aircraft represents an important milestone, showcasing the success and talent of our engineers, programmers and software developers.

"This programme will go on to attract opportunities for many more great minds and talent from across the UK."

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems chief executive, added: "We’re partnering with the UK’s highly motivated and skilled supply chain to accelerate the innovation of the nation’s future air power, integrating new technologies so the Royal Air Force and its allies can stay ahead of our adversaries.

“The demonstrator is an exciting once-in-a-generation opportunity providing experienced and young engineers alike a chance to contribute to an endeavour which really matters to our national defence and security.”

The Tempest programme was first rolled out in 2018 and is focused on developing the critical technologies to support the successor to the company's Typhoon.

Last month, in another boost for aerospace in Lancashire, it was confirmed 38 new Eurofighters were on order from Spain in a £500m deal.