UK Defence Plan Delays Full Tempest Funding to Mid-2030s as Priority Shifts Toward Drones

The RAF could be forced to wait until 2040 to receive Tempest fighter jets, with funding now expected to be released only towards the mid-2030s rather than the originally planned 2025 development start date, GB News reported. The advanced jets, designed to replace the RAF's ageing Typhoon fleet, are now unlikely to become operational until the late 2030s or potentially the 2040s.

Initial plans envisaged Tempest aircraft entering service by 2035.

Ministers had previously pledged to deliver a modernised Royal Air Force by 2035. The delays stem from the long-awaited defence investment plan, which is expected to confirm financial backing for the project will not materialise until several years later than anticipated. The plan is understood to prioritise drones and autonomous systems, reflecting lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.

The UK currently operates more than 100 Typhoons, which are scheduled for retirement by 2040. Its replacement, the Tempest programme, is a collaborative venture between Britain, Japan and Italy under the global combat air programme, with costs exceeding £12 billion.

An interim development contract worth £686 million was agreed between the three nations in April, though this arrangement expires next month.

Uncertainty surrounding the defence investment plan has stalled progress on securing a longer-term agreement for the project. The Prime Minister is currently considering increased borrowing to fund approximately £18 billion in additional defence spending, with other options including significant Whitehall cuts.

Defence Secretary John Healey is expected to unveil the defence investment plan next month, with officials treating the Nato summit on July 7 as a firm deadline for publication.

An MoD spokesman said the UK remains committed to the global combat air programme, working closely with international partners to deliver a next-generation combat air capability. The spokesman added that work continues with Italy and Japan on finalising the full international contract. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge warned the delay could pose a risk to Britain's defence.

"With the threats we face and war on two fronts, Labour needs to be accelerating programmes that will make us safer, not deliberately delaying them for years," Mr Cartlidge said. He warned that further postponements to the Typhoon replacement scheme "could be dire" for the RAF and Britain's closest allies.

Mr Cartlidge accused Sir Keir Starmer of being prepared to sideline the next-generation fighter programme, even at the cost of damaging allied relationships and national defence capabilities.

"This news suggests Starmer is willing to kick our next generation fighter programme into the long grass, even if this damages our allies and our own ability to defend ourselves," Mr Cartlidge said.