The United Kingdom has unveiled its first crewed supersonic combat demonstrator in over 40 years.

NEWS JUST IN: The UK’s pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator has been revealed 🇬🇧✈️

This supersonic jet, developed with @BAESystemsplc, @DefenceHQ, @RollsRoyce & @MBDA_UK, is the first of its kind in 40 years & it’s being built here in the UK.https://t.co/kCKpYAacFO pic.twitter.com/NtZMAQbk4A

— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) July 17, 2025

In a statement, the Royal Air Force (RAF) said the new Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, designed to test advanced technologies for future fighter jets, is being developed in collaboration with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, MBDA U.K., and the Ministry of Defence. 

Analysts from The War Zone observed that the new combat demonstrator features a single-seat cockpit, twin engines, canted twin tails, and a delta wing design. The outlet also noted that the aircraft bears some visual similarities to the Lockheed Martin F-35, although it lacks horizontal stabilizers, setting it apart from the U.S. jet.

RAF did not disclose specific details of the combat demonstrator but said its main structure, wings, and tail fins are currently being assembled at BAE Systems’ Lancashire facilities using advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotic assembly, 3D printing, cobotics, digital twins, and virtual simulation.

The RAF also said that engineers and test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the RAF have logged over 300 hours of simulator testing to refine the aircraft’s flight control systems and practice complex maneuvers. 

The Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is set to fly by 2027. It will play a key role in the development of the Tempest, a next-generation stealth fighter being designed for the UK’s Royal Air Force, in partnership with Italy and Japan. The Tempest is scheduled to enter service by 2035.

“Designed to test a wide range of new technologies, including the integration of stealth compatible features, the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is a crucial part of the work to develop manufacturing processes and de-risk the next generation combat aircraft that will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme with the UK, Italy and Japan,” RAF said. 

U.K.’s last demonstrator aircraft, the Experimental Aircraft Programme, flew in 1986 and led to the development of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is now one of Europe’s main combat aircraft.