This comprehensive piece covers the current state of the BAE Tempest project, including its background, the formation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), design details of the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, manufacturing progress, simulator testing, program governance, and future challenges. It explains how the UK, Italy, and Japan are collaborating through the Edgewing joint venture, highlights key milestones like the July 2025 public reveal, and clarifies that the demonstrator is expected to fly in 2027 with service entry of the final aircraft around 2035. The article also explores economic impacts, technological innovations, and the strategic significance of this ambitious programme.