Marshall Becomes First Tempest Supplier With Delegated Design Authority

Marshall has announced the signing of a contract with BAE Systems that will make Marshall the first supplier to have delegated design authority on the Tempest Future Combat Air Systems program.

In an announcement at Defence and Security Equipment International 2021, Marshall stated that it had reached an agreement with BAE Systems to partner on design, manufacture and testing work as part of ongoing technology demonstration projects on Tempest. Work will be carried out in Cambridge, with manufacturing activities to take place at Marshall’s dedicated composites facility in North Yorkshire.

A mockup of the front section of the Tempest FCAS fighter at DSEI 2021 (Team Tempest)

Marshall CEO Kathy Jenkins said that the company was delighted to be granted a “unique role” with the Tempest program, adding:

“This is a testament to the strength and spirit of our partnership and trust in our capabilities for design and manufacturing which has seen our engineering teams work together over a wide range of projects since we signed a joint strategic collaboration framework last year.

During this period we have been able to repeatedly demonstrate the unique range of expertise Marshall is able to deliver, and we look forward to working with our colleagues at BAE Systems on Tempest and other future programmes where our complementary skills will be of benefit.”

Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer for BAE Systems’ Air Sector, commented on the contract signing as well:

“Since Team Tempest was launched in 2018, we have continually sought opportunities to bring the very best of UK capability and expertise into the team as we seek to develop the generation-defining combat air system which will help safeguard the security of our nation and our allies towards the end of this century.

We have developed a long and enduring relationship with Marshall who will bring significant experience and expertise to the project. By continuing to widen the partnership, we are increasingly making Tempest a true national endeavour, which will help contribute to the retention, growth and investment in a wider world-class UK skills base and realise significant prosperity benefits for the UK.”