RAF's sixth-gen Tempest fighter jet making progress, Defence Secretary says

Progress is continuing on the next steps to develop the RAF's new sixth-generation fighter jet, Defence Secretary John Healey has said.

Mr Healey said work was ongoing with the Tempest project's international partners following a meeting between his Japanese and Italian counterparts.

He discussed the status of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Minoru Kihara and Guido Crosetto in London.

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The GCAP is a strategic partnership between the three countries and their respective industries to collaborate on the creation of the next-generation combat air capability.

Mr Healey said: "It was a privilege to host my Japanese and Italian counterparts to discuss GCAP.

"We continue to work closely with our international partners on this important programme.

"We discussed the progress made on GCAP, including the skills we are developing in our respective nations and the economic growth potential for the programme.

"Progress continues on the next steps for this programme."

A mock-up of the stealth fighter jet went on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Some media reports have raised concerns that the Tempest project could be cancelled by the new Government, but Mr Healey's quotes are a signal that Labour, as it stands, are continuing the programme. 

Thousands of jobs are expected to be generated in the UK and the partner nations under GCAP.