Great Britain, Japan and Italy are jointly developing the 6th generation Tempest fighter. However, now Saudi Arabia wants to join the development.
Source: Shepard
How Saudi Arabia will affect the development of the Tempest fighter
The desire of Saudi Arabia to become a full member of the Tempest development project may cause curtains in a cup of tea. Japan is categorically against the country's participation in it, and Great Britain and Italy are open to cooperation. The British Ministry of Defense says that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the strategic partners, so they seek to deepen cooperation, the country can become one of the key partners.
For Saudi Arabia, it may be particularly interesting to participate in the Tempest project. They can allocate tens of billions of dollars for development.
Japan's categorical statement, according to the analyst, should be taken because of Tokyo's desire to have reliable allies and stable forward movement. In addition, Saudi Arabia will have additional influence on export controls for the aircraft. However, Great Britain sees an opportunity for itself to increase its influence in the Middle East.
For one of the main manufacturers BAE Systems, the participation of the Kingdom can be beneficial from a financial point of view. However, there is another concern — Saudi Arabia does not have a highly skilled workforce. Most specialists are foreigners, so it is dangerous to allow residents of third countries to such a technological product.
What is known about the 6th generation Tempest aircraft
The American defense company BAE Systems showed a video in which it talked about the progress of creating a 6th generation fighter.
The footage showed renderings of a promising fighter, which is being developed in cooperation with three countries: Great Britain, Japan and Italy. It was named Tempest after the Hawker Tempest interceptor aircraft of World War II.
Currently, the manufacturer is conducting research on the optimal design of the fighter. It should provide a high level of invisibility. The aircraft must absorb radio-electronic beams of enemy radars. The final design should be approved in 2024-2025. At the same time, the first prototype will be built, and the first flight will be in 2028.
Tempest will receive a British-Japanese engine, which is created by Rolls-Royce and Japan's IHI. The aircraft will work alongside BAE Mosquito drones in a "loyal familiar" role.
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