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Future
fighters You may not realise it, but there is a Bristol company right on our doorstep that is creating futuristic cyber protection for a new Air Force capability that will be responsible for protecting British skies for decades to come. We sit down with the Vice President at Leonardo Cyber and Security Max Wigley to find out more...
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ristol-based company Leonardo is one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies and one of biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK Ministry of Defence, making a significant contribution to the UK economy with revenues of around £2 billion. It has had a presence in Bristol since 2011. Located within walking distance of the UK MoD’s Abbey Wood site, the office is the focal point for Leonardo’s engagement with defence equipment and support and the headquarters for Leonardo’s UK cyber and security team. The office homes around 150 members of staff mainly focused on cyber security, homeland security, automation as well as a small population of simulation and training specialists. In July 2018 at the Farnborough International Air Show, it was announced that Leonardo would be working with the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and MBDA as ‘Team Tempest’. Together, they will provide the technologies, knowledge, skills and expertise to develop a Next Generation Combat Air System capable of operating in the 2040+ environment. In July 2021, The Ministry of Defence signed a further contract with the Team Tempest partners worth £250 million for the next phase of the project, which will see Leonardo continue to develop the sensing and communications technologies for the next generation aircraft. This month, we sat down with the Vice President of Capability at Leonardo Cyber and Security, Max Wigley, to understand how their innovation will help keep the UK safe. TBM: Tell us about Tempest... Max: Tempest is a project to develop a future combat air system, including a sixth-generation fighter jet, for the UK Royal Air Force 56 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
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JULY 2022
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No 212
Through our work on Tempest, we are helping to create the next generation of Cyber Security talent, and also creating highly skilled people and jobs in the Bristol area
and its international partners. A lot of work so far has been carried out by a consortium known as ‘Team Tempest’. The programme is an international endeavour, with the UK in advanced discussions with Italy, Sweden and Japan as to the full scope of future collaboration. The aircraft will enter service from 2035 and Leonardo UK is leading on Tempest’s advanced electronics, as well as its cyber protection. Why is Cyber Security so important for Tempest? Compared to traditional fighter jets, Tempest will make much greater use of digital sensor data, be much more connected and use cyber technology and artificial intelligence in new ways. That means it is going to need a lot more cyber protection, because what you don’t want is anyone trying to interfere with or take control of any capability within the cockpit. For example, the pilot will be receiving a constant stream of data while they are sitting in the cockpit from Leonardo’s ISANKE and ICS
