BAE Systems, UK engine maker Rolls-Royce, European missile maker MBDA and Italy's Leonardo are amongst the companies working to develop Tempest, meant eventually to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon from 2040.

The planned increase in Tempest staff was revealed by BAE CEO Charles Woodburn in the Telegraph newspaper and the article was published on BAE's website on Monday.

(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by James Davey)