Aviation News July 17, 2025 – The UK Ministry of Defence and industry leaders BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and MBDA UK have revealed the design of the pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, the first supersonic combat aircraft developed domestically in over 40 years. With two-thirds of its structural weight already in production, the project has reached a major development milestone.
Constructed using cutting-edge digital and robotic manufacturing at BAE’s Lancashire facilities, the aircraft is designed to test advanced technologies, including stealth integration and next-gen design processes. It plays a key role in the Global Combat Air Programme, a trilateral defense initiative with Italy and Japan.
Engineers and test pilots have logged over 300 simulator hours, using virtual simulations and model-based systems engineering to refine flight control systems. The initiative aims to cut development time and cost while preserving the UK’s sovereign defense capabilities.
Image BAE Systems
