BAE Systems has been awarded contract by the Ministry of Defence to work on Future Combat Air System (FCAS) concepts and technologies.

Image shows a BAE Systems Future Combat Air System concept unmanned aircraft, a manned solution however has not been ruled out.

According to a short description of the contract:

“The TIZARD single source contract, which will be awarded for a maximum of twelve months, will continue work on future Combat Air concepts, associated requirements and their key technologies that define next generation combat air capabilities.

These are TRL 0-3 activities that are crucial for UK National Sovereignty and are compliant with SDSR2015 direction.”

The single-source award without competition is justified, say the Ministry of Defence:

“A key aspect of this procurement’s single source justification is MOD cumulative investment (over a number of decades) into BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, as the UK’s lead Air systems integrator.

During this time BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd have built up a unique level of credible and capable technical expertise and Suitably Qualified Experienced Personnel (SQEP), and is necessary for the integrated delivery of concepts, associated requirements and the application of technology.”