BAE Systems is to begin work on its first supersonic fighter jet prototype in almost 40 years as part of its Tempest program.

The defence giant will develop a sixth-generation warplane to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon. The flying prototype will be a venture between BAE and the Ministry of Defence – a distinct project within the wider Tempest programme, which also involves Italy’s Leonardo.

Separately, the Government announced on Monday that the UK is conducting “joint concept analysis” with Japan. That could see the nation eventually join the Tempest fighter jet program. Japan offers both considerable technology experience and financial weight.

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Developing a prototype is seen as a key step in testing the planned design of the new fighter jet. BAE’s predecessor, British Aerospace, made a demonstrator in 1986, which was ultimately developed into the Typhoon. That was the last time the UK built a supersonic fighter prototype.

Herman Claesen, managing director of future combat air systems at BAE, said the new prototype could propel the company’s technology forward in similar-sized leaps to the development of the jet engine or the Concorde passenger jet.

Read more: yahoo