Sweden’s leading defence contractor will this week announce plans to invest an initial £50m in the UK to develop technology for future combat air systems. The move by Saab provides a timely boost to the UK-led Tempest future fighter project as the Ministry of Defence weighs its spending priorities for a strategic defence review that is expected later this year.
Industry is hoping for a government commitment to the future combat air requirement in the review, people close to the subject said.
Saab’s decision marks an intensification of its partnership with Britain’s BAE Systems on the Tempest programme, which also includes Leonardo of Italy.
Tempest was launched in 2018 after France and Germany opted for their own new-generation combat air programme without the UK....MORE
