156-545: 2031 (full-scale production planned) The Mitsubishi F-X (unofficially called F-3 ) is a sixth-generation stealth fighter in development for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is Japan's first domestically developed stealth fighter jet and will replace the Mitsubishi F-2 by the mid-2030s. Its development is to also bolster the nation's defense industry and potentially enter
312-456: A joint stock company . In return for a 20% share in the new company BAE Systems transferred ownership of its Airbus plants (known as Airbus UK ) to the new company. Despite repeated suggestions as early as 2000 that BAE Systems wished to sell its 20% share of Airbus, the possibility was denied by the company. However, on 6 April 2006 it was reported that it was indeed to sell its stake, then "conservatively valued" at £2.4 billion. Due to
468-635: A " loyal wingman " to the controlling aircraft. There are two versions of the drone: one that is a sensor carrier and scouts for targets, and another that fires munitions and directs incoming missiles away from the parent aircraft. Both versions share the same design as each other. The drones are expected to be fully developed by the 2030s. Within Japan, the development of the X-2 and the F-X is seen as chance for Japan to revitalize its defense/aerospace industry and establish
624-441: A "core business". On 18 August 2006 Saudi Arabia signed a contract worth £6 billion to £10 billion for 72 Eurofighter Typhoons, to be delivered by BAE Systems. On 10 September 2006 the company was awarded a £2.5 billion contract for the upgrade of 80 Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado IDSs. One of BAE Systems' major aims, as highlighted in the 2005 Annual Report, was the granting of increased technology transfer between
780-540: A "strategic bias" for expansion and investment in the US. The review also confirmed the attractiveness of the land systems sector and, with two acquisitions in 2004 and 2005, BAE moved from a limited land systems supplier to the second largest such company in the world. This shift in strategy was described as "remarkable" by the Financial Times . Between 2008 and early 2011 BAE acquired five cybersecurity companies in
936-607: A Japan-led development, and the MoD has come to the conclusion that we will develop a new model". The spokesperson further elaborated the MoD has developed enough technology to possibly develop the F-X domestically, but the option of international collaboration still exists. On 1 April 2020, ATLA established a dedicated team to develop the F-X. The team is led by a major-general from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and consists of 30 JASDF officers, engineering officials and others. Subaru Corporation also announced that it will establish
1092-421: A Technology Development Center to support the F-X's development. As of July 2020, the MoD expects production of the first fighter prototype to begin in 2024, with flight tests starting in 2028. Full-scale production is expected to commence by 2031. In June 2021, Japan said that it was in discussions with British officials regarding the cooperation with Rolls-Royce on engine development. On 9 December 2022,
1248-688: A common airframe. Boeing , Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman have all announced sixth-generation aircraft development projects. On September 14, 2020, the USAF announced that a prototype aircraft component of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program had flown for the first time. The details remained classified. There are significant differences between Navy and Air Force visions for their respective next-generation jet concepts, but both agree on some fundamental characteristics. These include artificial intelligence as
1404-572: A deal worth £800 million. The deal was significant because it was a factor in India's decision to finalise a £1 billion order for 66 Hawks in March 2004. Also in July 2003 BAE Systems and Finmeccanica announced their intention to set up three joint venture companies, to be collectively known as Eurosystems . These companies would have pooled the avionics, C4ISTAR and communications businesses of
1560-528: A decision aid to the pilot, similar in concept to current sensor fusion . They will also have Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), and communications that allow big data movement between both services' aircraft. The USAF regard stealth technology as extremely important for the F-X, while the US Navy emphasize the F/A-XX should not be so focused on survivability as to sacrifice speed and payload. Unlike
1716-430: A foothold within the international arms market. In the aftermath following World War II , Japan's defense and aerospace sector was crushed, forcing the nation to enter a long period of rebuilding. As a result, Japan mostly built US made aircraft under license to sustain its industry, while historically struggled to produce their own domestically design aircraft, both civilian and military alike. The F-2 fighter in particular
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#17327910997421872-460: A generation ahead of contemporary fifth-generation fighters. The concept fighter was named the i Fighter ( I nformed, I ntelligent, I nstantaneous). Some technology and capabilities the concept fighter is to possess include advanced radar systems to counter stealth technology of other fighters, receiving targeting information from other platforms (drones, fighters and/or airborne early warning and control aircraft), use of fly-by-optics (much like
2028-427: A greater weapon load than current fighters. In 2016, the USAF consolidated this change of course for its Air Superiority 2030 plan, to pursue "a network of integrated systems disaggregated across multiple platforms" rather than focusing on the sixth-generation fighter. The Air Force and Navy requirements had already been merged the year before and were now formally integrated, with the joint focus to be on AI systems and
2184-634: A hybridized F-22/35 fighter, a design based on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet , and another based on the Eurofighter Typhoon respectively. According to an official from the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) the designs did not meet their requirements and that no decision has been reached on the air-frame design. The decision places Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at the forefront in developing
2340-810: A key element of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons capability. BAE has operated the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Tennessee, since 1999, and the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford , Virginia since 2012. BAE Systems' biggest markets are the US 44%, UK 20%, Saudi Arabia 11% and Australia 4%, as of 2022. BAE Systems is the main supplier to the UK MoD ; in 2009/2010 BAE Systems companies in
2496-432: A major American defence contractor, for £830 million (about US$ 1.4 billion). The 1997 merger of American corporations Boeing and McDonnell Douglas , which followed the formation in 1995 of Lockheed Martin , the world's largest defence contractor, increased the pressure on European defence companies to consolidate. In June 1997, British Aerospace Defence managing director John Weston commented "Europe ...
2652-752: A move beyond the limitations inherent to the potential abilities of a single strike aircraft. 6-Gen combat awareness will require a theater-wide integration of diverse systems beginning with the primary airborne sensory suite and further including real-time data linking of ground-based detection and ranging technology with sensors aboard primary and support aircraft, advanced communication capabilities, unparalleled capacity for continuous onboard info-stream processing utilizing AI for real-time data translation and rendering geared toward optimizing pilot situational awareness while reducing workload, potential near-space capabilities, extension of existing strike/standoff ranges, seamless co-operation with ground-to air defense assets and
2808-611: A next generation fighter program to potentially replace the Eurofighter Typhoon post-2030; the Eurofighter Typhoon has since had its intended service life extended to around 2040. On 22 March 2016, Japan conducted the first flight of the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin testbed aircraft for this project. In July 2018, then British Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson unveiled the UK's Combat Air Strategy and announced
2964-778: A press trip at the Embraer factory in the city of São José dos Campos , São Paulo, the Director of Industrial Cooperation of Saab in Brazil, Luiz Hernandez, stated that Brazil will develop a sixth-generation fighter based on technologies from the Saab JAS 39 Gripen , already in production in the country. The project would be a cooperation between Embraer and the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology . The Vice President of Embraer's defence division, Walter Pinto Junior, confirmed
3120-478: A provider of vehicle and individual armour systems and survivability technologies. BAE Systems (and British Aerospace previously) was a technology partner to the McLaren Formula One team from 1996 to December 2007. The partnership originally focused on McLaren's F1 car's aerodynamics, eventually moving on to carbon fibre techniques, wireless systems and fuel management. BAE Systems' main interest in
3276-523: A research flight/battle simulator developed by the Technical Research Division . Data on avionics, stealth and engine characteristics are inputted into the simulator, and are then tested by JASDF pilots. Through air-to-air combat simulations, the effectiveness and improvements to the mock-up design are gauged. Compared to its predecessor, the F-X replaces the usage of conventional hydraulic systems with electric actuators. According to
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#17327910997423432-613: A result, the CSBA suggests building a fighter significantly larger relying on enhanced sensors, signature control, networked situational awareness, and very-long-range weapons to complete engagements before being detected or tracked. Larger planes would have greater range that would enable them to be stationed further from a combat zone, have greater radar and IR detection capabilities, and carry bigger and longer-range missiles ( Long-Range Engagement Weapon ). One airframe could be fitted with various attachments to fill several roles. The concept of
3588-483: A retreat from an industrial partnership with Lockheed Martin , Japan merged its F-X project with the BAE Tempest fighter development to form the three nation Global Combat Air Programme while opting to pursue separate drone development. Two weeks after the agreement was signed between the UK, Italy & Japan; Sweden signed a bi-lateral defence trade agreement with Japan allowing them to continue on as an observer in
3744-434: A sharp increase in interim sales and profits. In August 2023 BAE agreed to acquire the aerospace division of US-based Ball Corporation for $ 5.6 billion in cash (approximately £4.5 billion); this was BAE's largest acquisition up until that point and was completed on 16 February 2024. In October 2023, BAE was awarded a £3.95 billion contract for development work on Aukus-class submarines up to 2028. BAE Systems plays
3900-673: A shift in strategy to take account of reduced spending by governments on "traditional defence items such as warships and tanks". In 2000 Matra Marconi Space , a joint BAE Systems/Matra company, was merged with the space division of DASA to form Astrium . On 16 June 2003 BAE sold its 25% share of Astrium for £84 million, however due to the lossmaking status of the company, BAE Systems invested an equal amount for "restructuring". BAE Systems sold its 54% majority share of BAE Systems Canada , an electronics company, in April for CA$ 310 (approx. £197 million as of December 2010). In November 2001,
4056-637: A shock profit warning due to cost overruns of the Nimrod MRA4 maritime reconnaissance/attack aircraft and the Astute -class submarine projects. On 19 February 2003 BAE took a charge of £750 million against these projects and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) agreed to pay a further £700 million of the cost. In 2000 the company had taken a £300 million "loss charge" on the Nimrod contract which
4212-532: A significant role in the production of military equipment. In 2017, 98% of BAE Systems' total sales were military related. It plays important roles in military aircraft production. The company's Typhoon fighter is one of the main front line aircraft of the RAF. The company is a major partner in the F-35 Lightning II programme. Its Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft has been widely exported. In July 2006,
4368-600: A small number of large, intercontinental and heavily armed combat aircraft could link itself to the development of the Long Range Strike Bomber . In November 2016, the USAF Scientific Advisory Board announced studies for a Penetrating Counter Air (PCA) platform that would combine long range, supersonic speed, stealth and maneuverability and be fielded by 2030. PCA would have substantially longer range to fly long distances over
4524-603: A turbojet at supersonic speeds, while performing like a high-bypass turbofan for efficient cruising at slower speeds; the ability to supercruise will likely be available to aircraft with this engine type. The technology is being developed by the Air Force under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) and by the Navy under its Variable Cycle Advanced Technology (VCAT) program. The Air Force
4680-508: A while. Japan's defense ministry said efforts would commence in its next financial year, which began on April 1, 2022. Later the Italian manufacturer Avio Aero joined as a partner on the engine development. The ASM-3 has been developed for the F-X to use as the F-2 gets phased out. The F-X will be armed with a microwave weapon to disrupt incoming missiles. The microwave weapon is activated from
4836-414: Is aiming for a Milestone A decision by 2018, with a production version to be ready possibly by 2021. Companies involved with next-generation engine development include General Electric and Pratt & Whitney . Risk reduction began in 2012 so that engine development can start around 2020. An engine is to be ready when fighters are introduced by the Navy in 2028 and the Air Force in 2032. The Air Force
Mitsubishi F-X - Misplaced Pages Continue
4992-815: Is becoming less common, and instead broadened to embrace ground support, cyber warfare and even space warfare capabilities, with beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile capability remaining important. The flexibility to undertake manned and unmanned missions is also sought, along with the ability to integrate with more numerous fleets of satellite drones and ground sensors in a high-traffic networked environment to deliver full "data-to-decision" (D2D) capability. Typical design characteristics anticipated to deliver these roles include: The feasibility of some of these characteristics remains uncertain. Development time and cost are likely to prove major factors in laying out practical roadmaps. Specific requirements are anticipated by some observers to crystallize around 2025. In 2010,
5148-566: Is competitive, however largely between American firms, while foreign companies are excluded. In December 2005 the MoD published the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) which has been widely acknowledged to recognise BAE Systems as the UK's "national champion". The government claimed the DIS would "promote a sustainable industrial base, that retains in the UK those industrial capabilities needed to ensure national security." After
5304-435: Is dubbed the "integrated/fastenerless structure" technology. Heat shield technology is placed around the engines to allow aluminum alloys and carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) to be applied to reduce weight. High-efficiency/high-accuracy structural analysis techniques used for the F-X involve creating finite element method (FEM) models using computer-aided design (CAD) to study and create stress analysis standards for
5460-476: Is headquartered at the existing facility in Telford, Shropshire. In August 2020 BAE Systems completed the purchase of United Technologies ' military GPS businesses for $ 1.9 billion and Raytheon 's military airborne radios business for $ 275 million. The sale of these two business was a condition of the merger approval that saw their two parent companies merge to form Raytheon Technologies . In November 2020,
5616-493: Is interested in lasers both for low-power illumination and as higher-powered weapons. In November 2013, the Air Force Research Laboratory released a request for information (RFI) for submissions with detailed descriptions in a militarily useful configuration, potential problems and solutions, and cost estimates. After successfully developing its 5th generation fighter J-20 , China is now working on
5772-453: Is modeled on the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. To improve detection against stealth aircraft, the F-X utilizes integrated sensors. The sensors include: an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, passive radio frequency (RF) sensor, and an infrared camera. Both the AESA radar and RF sensor utilize Gallium nitride (GaN) to improve its performance. The AESA radar is based on
5928-567: Is pursuing a similar program using the same name with the fighter component called the F/A-XX , likewise intended to complement the smaller Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II and replace its existing aircraft such as the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet . The U.S. Navy launched its sixth-generation F/A-XX program in 2008 and the USAF sought initial responses for a Next Generation Tactical Aircraft (Next Gen TACAIR), which would become
6084-661: Is significantly larger payload than current air superiority aircraft like the F-22. Adaptive cycle engine technology is an option under consideration for the PCA, given the fact that the alternative would be a very large aircraft. While current engines operate best at a single point in the flight envelope, sixth-generation engines are expected to have a variable cycle to give optimum efficiency at any speed or altitude, giving greater range, faster acceleration, and greater subsonic cruise efficiency. The engine would configure itself to act like
6240-540: Is supporting three times the number of contractors on less than half the budget of the U.S." European governments wished to see the merger of their defence manufacturers into a single entity, a "European Aerospace and Defence Company". As early as 1995, British Aerospace and the German aerospace and defence company DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (DASA) were said to be keen to create a transnational aerospace and defence company. The two companies envisaged including Aérospatiale,
6396-637: Is the largest defence contractor in Europe and the seventh-largest in the world based on applicable 2021 revenues. Its largest operations are in the United Kingdom and in the United States, where its BAE Systems Inc. subsidiary is one of the six largest suppliers to the US Department of Defense . Its next biggest markets are Saudi Arabia, then Australia; other major markets include Canada, Japan, India, Turkey, Qatar, Oman and Sweden. The company
Mitsubishi F-X - Misplaced Pages Continue
6552-507: Is the successor to many of the most famous British aircraft, defence electronics and warship manufacturers. Predecessor companies built the Comet , the world's first commercial jet airliner; the Harrier "jump jet", the world's first operational vertical/short take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft; the "groundbreaking" Blue Vixen radar carried by Sea Harrier FA2s and which formed the basis of
6708-577: The Astute -class submarines, Type 26 frigates and Dreadnought -class submarines. BAE Systems is indirectly engaged in production of nuclear weapons – through its share of MBDA it is involved with the production and support of the ASMP missile, an air-launched nuclear missile which forms part of the French nuclear deterrent . The company is also the UK's only nuclear submarine manufacturer and thus produces
6864-626: The Astute -class submarines, and the Type 26 frigates were all confirmed in the 2010 SDSR. A new generation of nuclear missile submarines, the Dreadnought -class , was ordered in 2016. BAE Systems sold the regional aircraft leasing and asset management arm of its Regional Aircraft business in May 2011. This unit leases the BAe 146 /Avro RJ family, BAe ATP , Jetstream and BAe 748 . The company retained
7020-827: The British Aircraft Corporation (BAC), the Hawker Siddeley Group and Scottish Aviation . Both BAC and Hawker Siddeley were themselves the result of various mergers and acquisitions. Marconi Electronic Systems was the defence subsidiary of British engineering firm the General Electric Company (GEC), dealing largely in military systems integration , as well as naval and land systems. Marconi's heritage dates back to Guglielmo Marconi 's Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company, founded in 1897. GEC purchased English Electric (which included Marconi) in 1968 and thereafter used
7176-554: The Department of Trade and Industry which prevented a reference of the merger to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission . These were largely to ensure that the integrated company would tender sub-contracts to external companies on an equal basis with its subsidiaries. Another condition was the " firewalling " of former British Aerospace and MES teams on defence projects such as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). In 2007
7332-481: The East and South China Sea as a primary security concern; along with North Korea's nuclear weapons program and Russia's increased military activities. With regards to China, the F-X would likely be used to counter advanced Chinese fighter jets: Shenyang J-11 , Chengdu J-20 , and Shenyang FC-31 . Experts believe that the stealth jet would likely unnerve China to Japan's increased militarization. Japan's development of
7488-603: The Financial Times , there were concerns among US officials that Japan would select BAE Systems as its international partner over US defense contractors. As a result, the Trump administration reportedly exerted political pressure on Japan to joint-develop the F-X with the US. There were concerns that selecting a British fighter jet would increase interoperability difficulties between it and the US military and US-made aircraft in Japan, thus complicating joint operations. Another
7644-539: The Gripen fighter aircraft. In 2005 it reduced this share to 20.5% and in March 2010 announced its intention to sell the remainder. The Times stated that the decision brought "to an end its controversial relationship with the Gripen fighter aircraft". Several of the export campaigns for the aircraft were subject to allegations of bribery and corruption. The company continued its move into support services in May 2010 with
7800-580: The J/APG-2 radar used on the F-2 fighter and is similar to the AN/APG-81 radar used in the F-35. The F-X possess a RF 'self-defense' system to counter aircraft, air-to-air missile and surface-to-air missile threats. The system performs both ESM and ECM by being alerted to the threat and disrupting its radio waves instantly and globally. Integrated ESM body antennas are placed along the wing and tail flap of
7956-671: The Kawasaki P-1 ) to process information faster, stealth technology, gallium nitride semiconductors to improve radar performance, and a new, more powerful engine. Much of the development of the F-X program correlates with the development of the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin. The development of the X-2 demonstrator allows Japan to obtain new information and develop new technology related to their next generation fighter jet. The X-2 made its maiden flight on 22 April 2016. The X-2's testing concluded in March 2018. Concurrent to
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#17327910997428112-581: The Marconi Company , the first commercial company devoted to the development and use of radio; A.V. Roe and Company , one of the world's first aircraft companies; de Havilland , manufacturer of the Comet , the world's first commercial jet airliner; Hawker Siddeley , manufacturer of the Harrier , the world's first VTOL attack aircraft; British Aircraft Corporation , co-manufacturer of the Concorde supersonic transport; Supermarine , manufacturer of
8268-496: The Panavia Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft projects. Merger discussions began between British Aerospace and DASA in July 1998, just as French participation became more likely with the announcement that Aérospatiale was to merge with Matra and emerge with a diluted French government shareholding. A merger was agreed between British Aerospace chairman Richard Evans and DASA CEO Jürgen Schrempp . Meanwhile, GEC
8424-580: The Spitfire ; Yarrow Shipbuilders , builder of the Royal Navy 's first destroyers ; Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company , builder of the world's first battlecruiser ; and Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering , builder of the Royal Navy's first submarines . Since its 1999 formation, BAE Systems has made a number of acquisitions, most notably of United Defense and Armor Holdings of
8580-661: The Sukhoi Su-57 . Mikoyan PAK DP is a Russian program to develop a next generation interceptor aircraft to replace the Mikoyan MiG-31 . According to the Russian defense analyst Vasily Kashin, the aircraft would be considered as a 5++ or 6th generation fighter project. In January 2021, Rostec Corporation , the owner of Mikoyan , announced that the PAK DP had now entered the development phase, saying "Development of
8736-593: The TAI TF Kaan aircraft. On 10 October 2017, BAE announced that it would lay off nearly 2,000 out of its approximately 35,000 employees in Britain, mainly due to an order shortage for the Typhoon fighter. In 2019 BAE Systems sold a 55% share of its UK land business to Rheinmetall . The resultant joint venture (JV), Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), was established in July 2019 following regulatory approval and
8892-413: The 1980s to shift the burden of risk to the contractor and were in contrast to "cost plus contracts" where a contractor was paid for the value of its product plus an agreed profit. BAE Systems was operating in "the only truly open defence market", which meant it was competing with US and European companies for British defence projects, while they were protected in their home markets. The US defence market
9048-419: The 1997 Obey amendment in order to safeguard its technology. With Japan no longer able to purchase the F-22, a domestically developed fighter was chosen instead to replace Japan's aging fleet of fighter jets. Between December 2009 and August 2010, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) conducted a study of developing a future fighter jet to replace the F-2. The research conducted called for a new fighter jet that would be
9204-481: The 2030s. While still at an early stage of development, several distinct characteristics common to many sixth-generation fighter concepts have evolved. The fifth-generation capability for air-to-air combat, battlefield survivability in the anticipated anti-access/area denial environment and ground support/attack will need to be enhanced and adapted to the future threat environment. An initial focus on air superiority roles has moved away from close-in dogfighting, which
9360-633: The 88th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria was asked about plans for sixth-generation technologies and he responded that they have a clear roadmap for sixth-generation combat systems like directed energy weapons , smart wingman concept, optionally manned combat platforms, swarm drones, hypersonic weapons , and other equipment. India is currently working on its fifth-generation AMCA which will have some sixth-generation technologies. IAF's new chief, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari reaffirms this in an interview given on 22 October 2021. On 6 May 2024, during
9516-415: The British government declassified the HERTI (High Endurance Rapid Technology Insertion), an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which can navigate autonomously. It is currently developing a sixth-generation jet fighter aircraft for the RAF marketed as the " Tempest " along with the MoD, Rolls-Royce , Leonardo and MBDA. It is intended to enter service from 2035 replacing the Typhoon aircraft in service with
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#17327910997429672-521: The DASA merger in favour of purchasing its British rival. The merger of British Aerospace and MES was announced on 19 January 1999. Evans stated in 2004 that his fear was that an American defence contractor would acquire MES and challenge both British Aerospace and DASA. The merger created a vertically integrated company which The Scotsman described as "[a combination of British Aerospace's] contracting and platform-building skills with Marconi's coveted electronics systems capability", for example combining
9828-412: The Eurofighter's CAPTOR radar; and co-produced the Concorde supersonic airliner with Aérospatiale . British Aerospace was a civil and military aircraft manufacturer, as well as a provider of military land systems. The company had emerged from the massive consolidation of UK aircraft manufacturers since World War II. British Aerospace was formed on 29 April 1977, by the nationalisation and merger of
9984-415: The F-2. The slim design is needed in order to accommodate weapons internally to preserve the aircraft's stealth. The XF9 has a large electrical power output of 180 kW, thus could have provided 360 kW combined from both of its engines. The large energy generation is needed to supply the fighter's powerful avionics and equipment. The engines incorporate three dimensional thrust vector nozzles to allow
10140-419: The F-X program, in 2010. In April 2013, DARPA initiated a study to try to bring together existing USAF and USN concepts. Next-generation fighter efforts would initially be led by DARPA under the "Air Dominance Initiative" to develop prototype X-planes . The U.S. Navy and Air Force would each have variants focused on their mission requirements. However, also in 2013, the RAND Corporation recommended that
10296-423: The F-X, along with China, India and South Korea's stealth fighter programs, are noted as an increased trend of Asian aerospace industries challenging Western and Russian dominance in the global fighter jet industry. As of 2018, 90% of combat aircraft flown in all of the world's air forces comes from the US, USSR/Russia, Britain, France and Sweden. If the F-X (along with other fighter jets) is successfully designed then
10452-478: The F-X. To avoid having its radar emissions detected, the F-X maximizes its usage of passive detection. Its sensor programs also operate its radar emissions in a way that reduces the likelihood of counter detection during radar emissions. The F-X uses plasma stealth antenna technology to deflect radio waves. The antenna operates by creating temporary plasma using characteristics of plasma that can change physical properties through electrical control. While activated
10608-418: The F-X. In Japan, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will be the prime contractor, with IHI Corporation handling the engines and Mitsubishi Electric handling the electronics. In the UK, BAE Systems will handle the aircraft, Rolls-Royce the engines and Leonardo UK the electronics. Leonardo , Elt Elettronica Group and Avio Aero will participate in the development from Italy, and MBDA will also participate in
10764-422: The F-X. The F-X's predecessor, the F-2, introduced integrated molding and CFRP material to reduce its overall weight, but the molding technique applied only on the bottom plates of the wings; requiring fasteners to be placed through the upper plates in the main wing and other areas using fasteners on both plates. In comparison, the F-X expands the application of CFRP and adhesive molding to the entire fuselage . From
10920-409: The FY 2020 defense budget. The funding that the MoD acquires will be used to initiate the fighter program. By December 2019, the MoD secured ¥11.1 billion for the FY 2020 defense budget to launch the program. In total ¥28 billion is used to fund the F-X development for FY 2020. Of the total budget, ¥16.9 billion (60%) is used for research projects, while the remaining ¥11.1 billion (40%) is used to launch
11076-400: The Japanese MoD's own terminology, the technology and capabilities the F-X possesses will classify it as a sixth generation fighter jet. The F-X is said to be bigger than the F-22, which has earned it the nickname "Godzilla" from Bradley Perrett at Aviation Week . The large size indicates the MoD desires the aircraft to possess very long range and large payload capacity. Technologies tested in
11232-460: The Japanese government revealed a concept sixth-generation jet fighter, the i3 FIGHTER . i3 is short for i nformed, i ntelligent and i nstantaneous. In July 2014, Jane's Information Group reported that a House of Commons Defence Select Committee had published a report about the UK's "post-2030 combat aviation force structure". The report highlighted a possibility of the UK committing to
11388-502: The Marconi brand for its defence businesses (as GEC-Marconi and later Marconi Electronic Systems). GEC's own defence heritage dates back to World War I, when its contribution to the war effort included radios and bulbs. World War II consolidated this position, as the company was involved in important technological advances, notably the cavity magnetron for radar . Between 1945 and 1999, GEC-Marconi/Marconi Electronic Systems became one of
11544-500: The MoD announced the award of a 20-year, £2.4 billion munitions contract to BAE. This will see BAE manufacture 39 different munitions for the UK armed forces and supersedes the 2008 MASS contract. In July 2023, BAE received a related £280 million order to address a munitions shortage caused by the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. In 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine , major arms manufacturers, including BAE Systems, reported
11700-629: The MoD's evaluation, the reason for selecting electric actuators over hydraulic systems is because of the complexity of designing the interior of the stealth fighter. When designing the stealth shape of the aircraft, the internal weapon bay and intake air-ducts must be accounted for. However, problems arise with installing hydraulic system piping due to design considerations such as rigidity and length. The adoption of electric actuators eliminates these constraints because they are only connected via electric wiring. This results in simplified installation and reduced restrictions, allowing more flexibility in designing
11856-441: The MoD's research, it was shown that adopting the new design methods can reduce the structural mass of the F-X's airframe by 11.6% and – for a portion of the middle fuselage – reduce working man-hours by 66% compared to conventional approaches. To cope with the heat produced by the avionic systems, a small dedicated heat transfer system is installed in the F-X to assist its air cycle and liquid cooling system. The heat transfer system
12012-562: The Pacific, especially in a situation where airbases in the vicinity of China are not available or if aerial tankers are destroyed. It would also escort bombers deep into Russia or China, where the anticipated threat includes advanced networked air defense radars. It would include stealth against low or very high frequency radars (like those of the S-400 missile system ), which requires an airframe with no vertical stabilizers. Another requirement
12168-653: The RAF. BAE Systems Land and Armaments manufactures the M2/M3 Bradley fighting vehicle family, the US Navy Advanced Gun System (AGS), M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC), M109 Paladin , Archer , M777 howitzer , the British Army's Challenger 2 , Warrior Tracked Armoured Vehicle , Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle , and the SA80 assault rifle . Major naval projects include
12324-452: The RCS reduction done from the absorbers has the equivalent effect of reducing detection range from radar threats by about half. Metamaterials are also used to reflect radio waves. The metamaterials consists of various materials including small pieces of metals and dielectric. The metamaterials are applied on the pulse doppler system as part of a radio wave reflection control technology on board
12480-498: The U.S. military services avoid joint programs for the development of the design of a sixth-generation fighter. They found that in previous joint programs, different service-specific requirements for complex programs had led to design compromises which raised costs far more than normal single-service programs. In 2014, a broader approach to offensive technologies was proposed, with USAF aircraft anticipated to operate alongside ground-based and non-kinetic anti-aircraft solutions, and with
12636-480: The U.S. would allow the sale given the export ban on the F-22. One report indicated that the hybrid fighter could cost as high as $ 177 million per aircraft. In early February 2019, the MoD announced that a 'Japan-led' Future Fighter program will be initiated, with collaboration with foreign defense contractors still being an option. The announcement further enforces that plans to develop or locally produce existing foreign-made fighter jets has been ruled out. Furthermore,
12792-632: The UK Armed Forces' ammunition and required BAE to modernise its munitions manufacturing facilities. BAE Systems expanded its intelligence and security business with the £531 million purchase of Detica Group in July 2008. It continued this strategy with purchases of Danish cyber and intelligence company ETI for approximately $ 210 million in December 2010, and Norkom Group PLC the following month for €217 million. The latter provides counter fraud and anti-money laundering solutions to
12948-428: The UK and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement on an arms package which saw a £1.6 billion contract awarded to BAE for the delivery of 55 Pilatus PC-21 and 22 BAE Systems Hawk aircraft. The Sultanate of Oman ordered Typhoon and Hawk aircraft worth £2.5 billion in December 2012. In September 2012, it was reported that BAE Systems and EADS had entered merger talks which would have seen BAE shareholders own 40% of
13104-499: The UK and the US. The F-35 (JSF) programme became the focus of this effort, with British government ministers such as Lord Drayson , Minister for Defence Procurement , suggesting the UK would withdraw from the project without the transfer of technology that would allow the UK to operate and maintain F-35s independently. On 12 December 2006, Lord Drayson signed an agreement which allows "an unbroken British chain of command" for operation of
13260-555: The US and UK to deepen our consideration of international co-operation in this development project." The development of the F-X allows Japan to catch up to and counter Russian and Chinese stealth fighters. Within East Asia , the F-X allows Japan to not lag behind China and Russian stealth fighter production. The F-X was also designed primarily in response to concerns of Chinese, North Korean, and Russian military threats. Japan MoD considers China's rapid military buildup and disputes in
13416-403: The US for collaboration despite the ongoing discussions between Japan and the US and UK at the time of the reporting. While ATLA responded by stating that US and UK discussions were still ongoing, the report suggested that the US still has a strong influence over Japan because of their alliance. On 25 August 2020, Japan's defense minister stated that "[Japan is] currently exchanging information with
13572-405: The US for its domestic industry. However, this increased cooperation elicited some reactions from the US. In mid-April 2019, several reports indicated that the U.S. was willing to disclose portions of the F-35's software to Japan in exchange for joint development on the F-X fighter. These reports stated the offer was made in response to outdo 'rival' Britain in securing a deal with Japan. According to
13728-499: The US. At the same time, military cooperation between the UK and Japan has expanded over the years. Discussions on joint-development between both countries have been described as "open-minded and flexible". Gregg Rubinstein has also noted that both countries have developed an interest in each other; noting that in a post- Brexit environment Britain will be looking beyond the EU for partners and Japan will desire to gain some independence from
13884-876: The United States, and has sold its shares in Airbus , Astrium , AMS and Atlas Elektronik . It is involved in several major defence projects, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II , the Eurofighter Typhoon , the Astute -class submarine , and the Queen Elizabeth -class aircraft carriers . BAE is listed on the London Stock Exchange 's FTSE 100 Index . British Aerospace bought Marconi Electronic Systems for £7.7 billion on 30 November 1999 and merged with it to form BAE Systems. The company
14040-428: The X-2 technology demonstrator will likely be incorporated into the F-X fighter. Defense Minister Taro Kono has stated that the F-X will possess strong network capabilities and will carry more missiles than the F-35. In the design process, conceptual designs of the F-X are made, then passed through a 3-D digital mock-up system. Designs are based on the assumed function and performance of the F-X, and then installed in
14196-437: The X-2's development and testing, evaluations were made on various researches related to the F-X. These researches and tests continue as Japan sought international collaboration on the F-X. In mid-September 2019, flight tests were conducted on integrated sensors to be used for the F-X. The sensors were tested on board an F-2 fighter and the results are said to be good. In March 2017, Japan and U.K. signed an agreement to explore
14352-409: The ability to deploy aircraft in manned, optionally manned, unmanned and stand-in options. In March 2015, the Navy revealed they were working with the Air Force to potentially release joint analysis of alternatives (AoA) in 2016 for their next-generation fighters; they are allowed to take a joint AoA, then define a service solution that would be good for each service. The Navy is focusing on replacing
14508-436: The aircraft to achieve high maneuverability and improve stealth capabilities. The engine's thrust vector nozzle can deflect thrust up to 20 degrees in all circumference directions. December 2021 a memorandum was signed between Japan and the UK to co-operate on producing a joint demonstrator design for a sixth generation aircraft engine through engine manufacturers IHI and Rolls-Royce, a joint viability study had been underway for
14664-416: The aircraft. On 22 December 2006 BAE received a £947 million contract to provide guaranteed availability of Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornados. In May 2007 the company announced its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. was to purchase Armor Holdings for £2.3 billion (approx. US$ 4.5 billion c. 2007) and completed the deal on 31 July 2007. The company was a manufacturer of tactical wheeled vehicles and
14820-454: The antenna is also capable of transmitting and receiving communication. Early in development the F-X was to be powered by two XF9 engines. In 2018, the officially publicized thrust level of the prototype engine was "11 tons (107 kN / 24,000 lbf) or more" in military thrust and "15 tons (147 kN / 33,000 lbf) or more" with afterburner. The XF9 is designed to be adaptable to a wide range of thrust level, higher or lower, depending on requirement; and
14976-482: The body of the aircraft. Other advantages include weight reduction and improved mobility of the aircraft. The electric actuators are used in the fighter's flight control systems and undercarriage/wheel braking systems. To achieve a lightweight body structure, the F-X implements several technologies and manufacture/design techniques. One method involves reducing or eliminating the use of fasteners by bonding composite materials together through adhesive molding. This method
15132-598: The capabilities of the fighter with a wide range of options for the Super Hornet, as well as the EA-18G Growler . The AoA will run parallel to several other design and technology efforts including engine technology, airframe molds, broadband and IR stealth, and new ways to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum. Part of the Navy's calculus will be based on how the F-35C performs as a critical forward sensor node for
15288-466: The carrier air wing. How the fifth-generation F-35C integrates with the rest of the air wing to give greater capabilities than what the platform itself can do may lend itself to the sixth-generation F/A-XX. The Navy aircraft is to have greatly increased speed and range compared to the Super Hornet. In April 2015, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) released a report concluding that
15444-571: The company announced the closure of the Avro Regional Jet ( Avro RJ ) production line at Woodford and the cancellation of the Avro RJX, an advanced series of the aircraft family, as the business was "no longer viable". The final Avro RJ to be completed became the last British civil airliner. In November 2001 BAE sold its 49.9% share of Thomson Marconi Sonar to Thales for £85 million. A further step of European defence consolidation
15600-453: The company proceed with the sale. Shareholders voted in favour and the sale was completed on 13 October. This saw the end of UK-owned involvement in civil airliner production. Airbus Operations Ltd (the former Airbus UK) continued to be the Airbus "Centre of Excellence" for wing production, employing over 9,500 in 2007. In February 2010 BAE Systems announced a £592 million writedown of
15756-619: The company's RO Defence unit to form BAE Systems Land Systems. Recognising the lack of scale of this business compared to General Dynamics, BAE Systems executives soon identified the US defence company United Defense Industries (UDI), a major competitor to General Dynamics, as a main acquisition target. On 7 March 2005 BAE announced the £2.25 billion (approx. US$ 4.2 billion c. 2005) acquisition of UDI. UDI, now BAE Systems Land and Armaments , manufactures combat vehicles, artillery systems, naval guns, missile launchers and precision guided munitions. In December 2005, BAE Systems announced
15912-450: The company's shares. BAE Systems' first annual report identified Airbus, support services to militaries and integrated systems for air, land and naval applications as key areas of growth. It also stated the company's desire to both expand in the US and participate in further consolidation in Europe. BAE Systems described 2001 as an "important year" for its European joint ventures, which were reorganised considerably. The company has described
16068-452: The contribution of Airbus UK. After its creation, BAE Systems had a difficult relationship with the MoD. This was attributed to deficient project management by the company, but also in part to the deficiencies in the terms of "fixed price contracts". CEO Mike Turner said in 2006 "We had entered into contracts under the old competition rules that frankly we shouldn't have taken". These competition rules were introduced by Lord Levene during
16224-500: The defense industry. Air Marshal B.K. Pandey, former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command of the Indian Air Force , noted that the F-X will likely face technological challenges as the technologies used in fighter jets have become more complex over the years. According to Gregg Rubinstein of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace , the US and Japan have differing approaches and priorities on joint-developing
16380-400: The delays and lack of profit and growth obtained for Japan's domestic industries, the F-2 went on to become an expensive, controversial fighter. As such, with the introduction of the F-X, Japanese lawmakers and defense officials are adamant in avoiding a repeat of the F-2's controversial development. Domestic development is generally favored the most by defense industry groups and lawmakers but
16536-573: The development of a national sixth-generation aircraft program, including the United States , Russia and China . Whilst other countries have joined collaborative multinational projects such as Japan , Italy and the United Kingdom with Global Combat Air Programme , and France , Germany and Spain with FCAS ; in order to spread development and procurement costs. The first sixth-generation fighters are expected to enter service in
16692-763: The development of a next generation aircraft. Dr. Wang Haifeng, chief designer of the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation announced that China had begun pre-research on sixth-generation aircraft in January 2019, predicting that the program would come to fruition by 2035. In February 2023, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) shared its six-generation fighter aircraft concept on social media. The featured concept included diamond-shaped wings and tailless design, which correlated to earlier image released by various AVIC presentation. In 2018, Chengdu Aerospace Corp reportedly submitted eight proposals for
16848-650: The development of a sixth-generation fighter concept named the Tempest for the Royal Air Force at Farnborough Airshow 2018. In 2019, Sweden and Italy joined the Tempest project. During the same year, India and Japan were also invited to join the project. On 1 April 2020, the Japanese F-X program was announced. In 2022, after a year of ever closer collaboration with the Tempest project and
17004-439: The expected high cost and inexperience developing a domestic fighter are among the biggest challenges faced with domestic development. International collaboration is seen as another option with the benefit of easing the financial burden but can lead to difficulties in coordinating with the partner/s of the project. Furthermore, Japanese lawmakers are adamant that domestic companies should lead the project to secure profit and preserve
17160-471: The fighter jet. The helmet-mounted display features a wide field of vision, binocular, multi-color display, voice recognition and 3-D sound . To minimize its radar cross section, F-X physical design features serpentine air-ducts and an internal weapons bay. Electromagnetic wave absorbers are applied to the air-ducts and engines to reduce the amount of radar reflection. The absorber is said to be of carbon-based material. According to results of tests conducted,
17316-667: The focus of the fighter jet industry could shift from the Northern Atlantic closer to the Asia-Pacific. If it is exported, it could potentially become a serious challenge to the West's predominance in the fighter industry. Sixth-generation jet fighter A sixth-generation fighter is a conceptualized class of jet fighter aircraft design more advanced than the fifth-generation jet fighters that are currently in service and development. Several countries have announced
17472-528: The former Armor Holdings business following the loss of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles contract in 2009. It was outbid by Oshkosh Corporation for the £2.3 billion ($ 3.7 billion) contract. Land and Armaments had been the "star performer" of BAE Systems' subsidiaries, growing from sales of £482 million in 2004 to £6.7 billion in 2009. BAE Systems inherited British Aerospace's 35% share of Saab AB , with which it produced and marketed
17628-610: The future fighter engine program is conducted with a target maximum thrust of 20 tons (196 kN / 44,000 lbf) in mind, which was unveiled at the ATLA Technology Symposium 2018. The XF9 possesses a high combustion temperature at 1800 °C. Noteworthy of the XF9 is its slim size relative to its power. For instance, the engine inlet of the XF9 is 30% smaller than the General Electric F110 used on
17784-400: The global financial services industry where its software assists institutions to comply with regulations on financial intelligence and monitoring. BAE Systems inherited British Aerospace's share of Airbus Industrie, which consisted of two factories at Broughton and Filton . These facilities manufactured wings for the Airbus family of aircraft. In 2001 Airbus was incorporated as Airbus SAS,
17940-562: The government announced that it had agreed to release BAE Systems from ten of the undertakings due to "a change in circumstances". BAE Systems inherited the UK government-owned "golden" share that was established when British Aerospace was privatised. This unique share prevents amendments of certain parts of the company's Articles of Association without the permission of the Secretary of State. These Articles require that no foreign person or persons acting together may hold more than 15% of
18096-418: The governments of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy jointly announced that they would develop and deploy a common fighter jet, merging their previously separate sixth-generation projects into: Global Combat Air Program . Japan's merger into this multinational effort effectively ends the separate Japan F-X fighter program. The F-X is a twin engine stealth fighter designed for achieving air superiority . By
18252-497: The idealization of the project, and commented that "for Embraer, fighter aviation is a possibility of taking higher flights", but highlighted that the company still needs a "business plan, to make a viable long-term project". BAE Systems BAE Systems plc is a British multinational aerospace , defence and information security company, based in London , England. It is the largest manufacturer in Britain as of 2017. It
18408-522: The international arms market amid Japan's change in defense posture. In October 2020, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was selected as the lead developer. On 9 December 2022 the governments of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy jointly announced that they would develop and deploy a common fighter jet under a project called the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP); merging development of the latter two nations' BAE Systems Tempest with
18564-418: The latter to Finmeccanica for €400 million (approx. £270 million c. 2007) in March 2007. In May 2004, it was reported that the company was considering selling its shipbuilding divisions, BAE Systems Naval Ships and BAE Systems Submarines . It was understood that General Dynamics wished to acquire the submarine building facilities at Barrow-in-Furness , while VT Group was said to be interested in
18720-513: The list of Top 100 suppliers to the MoD received contracts totalling £3.98 billion, with total revenue being higher when other subsidiary income is included. In comparison, the second largest supplier is Babcock International Group and its subsidiaries, with a revenue of £1.1 billion from the MoD. Oxford Economic Forecasting states that in 2002 the company's UK businesses employed 111,578 people, achieved export sales of £3 billion and paid £2.6 billion in taxes. These figures exclude
18876-669: The loss of 940 jobs, and a further 835 jobs would be lost at Filton, near Bristol, and at the shipyards in Govan, Rosyth, and Scotstoun in Scotland. On 9 October 2014, the company announced the loss of 440 management jobs across the country, with 286 of the job cuts in Lancashire. In July 2014 it announced the acquisition of US intelligence company Signal Innovations Group Inc. to augment imagery and data analysis technologies in its Intelligence & Security business. In August 2014, BAE
19032-554: The manufacturer of the Eurofighter with the company that provided many of the aircraft's electronic systems; British Aerospace was MES's largest customer. In contrast, DASA's response to the breakdown of the merger discussion was to merge with Aérospatiale to create the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company ( EADS ), a horizontal integration . Seventeen undertakings were given by BAE Systems to
19188-569: The missile development. By around 2024, detailed development and cost sharing for each company will be clarified, and production will begin around 2030, with the first aircraft to be deployed in 2035. In addition, joint development with the United States will begin in fiscal 2023 for an unmanned aircraft accompanying the F-3. The F-X program began when the United States banned exports of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor as part of
19344-521: The next generation of interceptor fighters has already begun." The United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Navy (USN) are anticipated to field their first sixth-generation fighters in the 2030 timeframe. The USAF is pursuing development and acquisition of a sixth-generation air superiority fighter through the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program that succeeds the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor . The USN
19500-523: The next-generation U.S. Air Force fighter should be larger and more resembling a bomber than a small, maneuverable traditional fighter. It analyzed over 1,450 air-to-air engagements since 1965 and found that long-range weapons and sensors have dramatically decreased instances of dogfighting. With the increase of air defense systems using electronic and infrared sensors and high-speed weapons, traditional designs relying on small size, high speed, and maneuverability may be less relevant and easier to intercept. As
19656-444: The other major European aerospace company, but only after its privatisation. The first stage of this integration was seen as the transformation of Airbus from a consortium of British Aerospace, DASA, Aérospatiale and Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA into an integrated company; with this aim British Aerospace and DASA were united against the various objections of Aérospatiale. As well as Airbus, British Aerospace and DASA were partners in
19812-613: The partnership was to learn about the high speed build and operations processes of McLaren. The company announced the acquisition of Tenix Defence , a major Australian defence contractor in January 2008. The purchase was completed on 27 June for A$ 775 million (£373 million) making BAE Systems Australia that country's largest defence contractor. The MoD awarded BAE Systems a 15-year munitions contract in August 2008 worth up to £3 billion, known as Munition Acquisition Supply Solution (MASS). The contract guaranteed supply of 80% of
19968-470: The possibility on co-developing a future fighter jet. By March 2018, a MoD representative has stated that the Japanese government is deciding whether to develop the F-X domestically, through joint-development, or develop it based on an existing fighter design. At the time the Japanese government sent out proposals to the U.S. and U.K., seeking out their participation in the project. Boeing , Lockheed Martin , BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman have responded to
20124-442: The possibility on collaborating the F-X project with the Tempest project to some capacity. By October 2018, the MoD has begun to rule out the possibility of developing a fighter based on existing designs. Boeing's F-15 and BAE Systems' Eurofighter Typhoon reportedly failed to meet the ministry's requirements. Lockheed Martin's hybridized stealth fighter was also met with doubt due to its expensive price, as well as uncertainties that
20280-402: The previous F-22 and F-35 development programs that depended on new technologies that drove up cost and delayed introduction, the Air Force is intending to follow a methodical path of risk reduction to include as much prototyping, technology demonstration, and systems engineering work as possible before creation of an aircraft actually starts. Sixth-generation strike capability is envisioned as
20436-449: The program and begin conceptional design. It is within the FY 2020 defense budget that a new conceptional image of the stealth fighter has been revealed and the name of the program has been officially changed from "Future Fighter" to "F-X". On 27 March 2020, Japan rejected designs proposed by Lockheed Martin, Boeing and BAE Systems. The designs submitted by all three defense contractors include:
20592-473: The program will prioritize domestic industries to develop and produce the stealth fighter. The program will occur between 2019 and 2023 in line with the MoD's Mid-Term Defense Program and will take 15 years to complete; around the time when the F-2 begins to retire. The MoD prioritized five key aspects for the program's development: On 21 August 2019, the MoD announced that development of the stealth fighter will commence between April–December 2020 in accordance to
20748-680: The programme and the option to participate as a development partner in the future if desired. Within the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, France, Germany and Spain are jointly working on a sixth-generation fighter known as the Next-Generation Fighter (NGF). On 26 August 2013, Russia revealed it would proceed with development of a sixth-generation jet fighter. They say the aircraft will most likely be pilotless. However, they would not skip completing development of fifth-generation fighter projects, like
20904-478: The proposal. It is reported that Boeing offered an upgraded fighter based on their F-15 , while similarly BAE systems offered their Eurofighter Typhoon . Lockheed Martin proposed a F-22 / 35 hybrid fighter while also offering Japan the majority of the work in developing and producing the fighter. Northrop Grumman has expressed interest in joining the project; with speculation that a modernized YF-23 might be offered to Japan. Japan and U.K. have also further explored
21060-541: The publication of the DIS BAE Systems CEO Mike Turner said "If we didn't have the DIS and our profitability and the terms of trade had stayed as they were... then there had to be a question mark about our future in the UK". Lord Levene said in the balance between value for money or maintaining a viable industrial base the DIS "tries as well as it can to steer a middle course and to achieve as much as it can in both directions. ...We will never have
21216-495: The purchase of the marine support company Atlantic Marine for $ 352 million. In September 2010 BAE Systems announced plans to sell the Platform Solutions division of BAE Systems Inc., which the Financial Times estimated could yield as much as £1.3 billion. Despite "considerable expressions of interest", the sale was abandoned in January 2011. The purchases of Queen Elizabeth -class aircraft carriers ,
21372-578: The rationale for expansion in the US; "[it] is by far the largest defence market with spend running close to twice that of the Western European nations combined. Importantly, US investment in research and development is significantly higher than in Western Europe." When Dick Olver was appointed chairman in July 2004 he ordered a review of the company's businesses which ruled out further European acquisitions or joint ventures and confirmed
21528-519: The remaining yards on the Clyde . Instead, in 2008 BAE Systems merged its Surface Fleet arm with the shipbuilding operations of VT Group to form BVT Surface Fleet , an aim central to the British Government's Defence Industrial Strategy . On 4 June 2004, BAE Systems outbid General Dynamics for Alvis Vickers , the UK's main manufacturer of armoured vehicles. Alvis Vickers was merged with
21684-615: The resulting organisation. On 10 October 2012, the companies said the merger talks had been called off. The Guardian reported that this was due to the German Government's concern about the "potential size of the French shareholding in the combined company, as well as disagreements over the location of the group's headquarters". In November 2013, BAE Systems announced that shipbuilding would cease in Portsmouth in 2014 with
21840-493: The sale of its German naval systems subsidiary, Atlas Elektronik, to ThyssenKrupp and EADS. The Financial Times described the sale as "cut price" because French company Thales bid €300 million, but was blocked from purchasing Atlas by the German government on national security grounds. On 31 January 2006 the company announced the sale of BAE Systems Aerostructures to Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. , having said as early as 2002 that it wished to dispose of what it did not regard as
21996-628: The sixth-generation fighter design, and four designs were tested in low altitude wind tunnels. In November 2024, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) released footage of a mockup of the Baidi B-Type (White Emperor) “integrated space-air fighter”, which it claims will be capable of dropping "munitions from space." Critics have noted that such claims of space operations capability lack evidence and are "dubious". In an interview on 8 October 2020 to celebrate
22152-515: The slow pace of informal negotiations, BAE Systems exercised its put option which saw investment bank Rothschild appointed to give an independent valuation. Six days after this process began, Airbus announced delays to the A380 with significant effects on the value of Airbus shares. On 2 June 2006 Rothschild valued the company's share at £1.87 billion, well below its own analysts' and even EADS's expectations. The BAE Systems board recommended that
22308-559: The stealth fighter's AESA radar through the use of electron tube amplifiers capable of high efficiency and miniaturization. Japan plans on introducing unmanned combat aerial vehicles that can operate alongside the F-X, called the Combat Support Unmanned Aircraft. The drone program is similar to the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie or Boeing Airpower Teaming System project in which the drone acts as
22464-399: The stealth fighter. However, the decision did not rule out the possibility of international collaboration; as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems are still listed as potential partners. This decision was further confirmed by Jane's. An ATLA spokesperson has stated that "the option of 'developing derivatives of existing fighters' cannot be a candidate from the perspective of
22620-464: The stealth fighter. US defense officials emphasized that operational concepts and capability requirements should be the basis for fighter acquisition. In contrast, the Japanese officials have prioritized technology development and industrial base interest. In addition, the bitter legacy of the F-2 casts a shadow over discussions between the two countries. In light of the F-2, there are concerns that Japan will be unable to have control of its partnership with
22776-399: The support and engineering activities of the business. In September 2011, BAE Systems began consultation with unions and workers over plans to cut nearly 3,000 jobs, mostly in the company's military aircraft division. In its 2012 half-year report, the company revealed a 10% decline in revenue in the six months up to 30 June due to falling demand for armaments. In May 2012 the governments of
22932-449: The two companies. However the difficulties of integrating the companies in this way led to a re-evaluation of the proposal; BAE Systems' 2004 Annual Report states that "recognising the complexity of the earlier proposed Eurosystems transaction with Finmeccanica we have moved to a simpler model". The main part of this deal was the dissolution of AMS and the establishment of SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems ; BAE Systems sold its 25% share of
23088-436: The world's most important defence contractors . GEC's major defence related acquisitions included Associated Electrical Industries in 1967, Yarrow Shipbuilders in 1985, Plessey companies in 1989, parts of Ferranti 's defence business in 1990, the rump of Ferranti when it went into receivership in 1993/1994, Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering in 1995 and Kværner Govan in 1999. In June 1998, MES acquired Tracor ,
23244-491: Was also under pressure to participate in defence industry consolidation. Reporting the appointment of George Simpson as GEC managing director in 1996, The Independent said "some analysts believe that Mr Simpson's inside knowledge of BAe, a long-rumoured GEC bid target, was a key to his appointment. GEC favours forging a national 'champion' defence group with BAe to compete with the giant US organisations." When GEC put MES up for sale on 22 December 1998, British Aerospace abandoned
23400-642: Was awarded a £248 million contract from the British government to build three new offshore patrol vessels . In October 2014, BAE Systems won a £600 million contract from the MoD to maintain Portsmouth naval base for five years. During 2014 BAE Systems acquired US-based cybersecurity firm Silversky for $ 232.5 million. During Prime Minister Theresa May 's visit to Turkey in January 2017, BAE and TAI officials signed an agreement, worth about £100 million, for BAE to provide assistance in developing
23556-501: Was expected to cover "all the costs of completion of the current contract". The troubled Nimrod project would ultimately be cancelled as part of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). The UK government, following a cabinet row described as "one of the most bitter Cabinet disputes over defence contracts since the Westland helicopter affair in 1985", ordered 20 BAE Hawk trainer aircraft with 24 options in July 2003 in
23712-442: Was formed on 30 November 1999 by the £ 7.7 billion purchase of and merger of Marconi Electronic Systems (MES), the defence electronics and naval shipbuilding subsidiary of the General Electric Company plc (GEC), with British Aerospace , an aircraft, munitions and naval systems manufacturer. BAE Systems is the successor to various aircraft, shipbuilding, armoured vehicle, armaments and defence electronics companies, including
23868-473: Was in takeover discussions with TRW , an American aerospace, automotive and defence business. This was prompted by Northrop Grumman 's £4.1 billion (approx. US$ 6 billion c. 2002) hostile bid for TRW in February 2002. A bidding war between BAE Systems, Northrop and General Dynamics ended on 1 June when Northrop's increased bid of £5.1 billion was accepted. On 11 December 2002, BAE Systems issued
24024-452: Was that selecting the UK would anger then-President Trump amidst a cost-sharing dispute regarding stationing US forces in Japan. Nikkei Asian Review noted in 2020 that between choosing the UK or US as a partner, the UK would offer greater flexibility for Japan in developing the F-X while Japan still places high importance on its alliance with the US. In early March 2020, a report from Nikkei Asian Review indicated that Japan planned on selecting
24180-405: Was the merger of BAE's share of Matra BAe Dynamics and the missile division of Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) into MBDA in December. MBDA thus became the world's second largest missile manufacturer. Although EADS (now Airbus SE ) was later reported to be interested in acquiring full control of MBDA, BAE said that, unlike Airbus, MBDA is a "core business". In June 2002, BAE Systems confirmed it
24336-432: Was widely controversial in Japan. First conceived as a 'pure' Japanese fighter, the F-2 was to incorporate the latest technology Japan had to offer and become a sort of spiritual successor to the famous Mitsubishi A6M Zero . However, the decision to joint-develop the aircraft with the US was later chosen due to a combination of US political pressure and the heavy undertaking of producing a fighter domestically. Combined with
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